I. Diatomaceouse Earth Filters for Pools

Diatomaceouse Earth (DE) filters come in a variety of forms. Typically they consist of a fine mesh fabric configured in a variety of shapes or forms including bags, grids or screens and [i]fingers[/i].

DE is a fine white powder composed of the skeletal remains of microscopic organisms that lived millions of years ago. These skeletons are mined from the earth and cleaned. The powder is applied to the surface of the fabric and acts to trap dirt as the pool water passes through it. As the DE becomes clogged with dirt, it is washed off of the fabric as replaced with new DE to begin the process all over.

While DE provides excellent dirt trapping ability, often referred to as the best of the three filter types, the removal and recoating can be a chore and also leaves a disposal problem with the dirty material. As the other filters, the fabric on DE filters must be kept clean. If oils accumulate on the fabric the DE will not adhere properly and the resulting [i]holes[/i], areas with little or no DE in place, begin to form and allow water to pass through without good dirt removal. As with Cartridge Filters, regular cleaning with a quality pool filter cleaner is needed in addition to the replacement of the DE when it becomes clogged.