Swimming pool D.E. filter clogging problem

[peicku]

I have this pool for a few years and never experienced many issues. Even the Backwash valve kind of stuck and I always take out the entire filer grids and washed that way without backwashed first. A few weeks back, I noticed the Algar increase in the pool. After cleaning the filter as before I added some Shock. had the pump running 8 hrs a day for a week. I started noticing filter PSI started to increae by 10 already. I took out the filter assembly and noticed a lot of DE powder not attached to the filter grid, instead piled up at bottome of housing. I cleaned that and put back the assembly. Initial PSI was at

18(normal).. But PSI increased by 10 in 2 hours of running pump and the suction power was almost gone! What is the cause? and replacing filter grids will solve it? I really appreciate it if any one can share similar experience. my filter is STR-RITE 84548-2 48 sqft D.E. vertical filter.

Thanks a lot. -pck

[Pop`]

From the sound of it, you simply have a LOT of active algae growth since the pressure drops to normal and then goes up ten right away. Sometimes, if the algae gets far enough ahead of you while it's growing, especially in the sun, it can take four or five DE loads to get ahead of it. Each cycle should be a little longer than the last after a couple times, and then stretch out quickly as you finally get ahead of it. Figure two days total to be back to near normal. Run the pump all day/night while you have this; do not shut it off - that just lets the algae regroup and grow some more.

The DE laying in the bottom is just a result of the loss of pressure; there's nothing to make it stick to the fingers; assuming you have all the parts indisde the filter present and in place, the DE can't lay in the bottom when it's running. The flow pushes it up around the filters.

Pop`

[peicku]

I stopped by local pool supplies store and was told that the Filter grid may have a hole or manifold was broken. I did see or feel loose plastic piece inside the individule grid. And I could not tell if DE powder was recirculated back to pool. I thought the return water was clean!. Since I never experience the PSI inscrese so quickly which leads me to believe that filter assembly needs repair or replacement. Bad thing is my backwash valve was stuck and I never had a chance to use it. It usually takes 4 -6 month for the PSI to increase by 10 and then I just take out entirel filter, wash and put it back. I'll cleean it again to see if there are holes or crack any where. Thanks --pck Pop` =E5=AF=AB=E9=81=93=EF=BC=9A