Pros and cons of cellulose fiber in DE filters

[SJBalaC]

First full season with a pool. We inherited an ~5 year old 60 sq ft DE filter, pool company had it backwashed once, I am going to take it over from now on. Not knowing when and if the filter was ever taken apart and thorough cleaned, I am going to do that as soon as I find my courage. This would be a logical time to possibly convert to cellulose fiber.

How do you feel about cellulose fiber in your DE filter one, two, three years down the road?

I am surprised there's not a sticky on this subject, I found only a few threads, and a few complaints, but it's difficult to tell how often people run into problems because of cellulose fiber as their filter medium.

Also while on the subject, given the age of the filter, and under assumption that it may not have even been deep cleaned before, is it a good idea to replace the grids as well, for prevention?

Thanks,
SJ

 

[1poolman1]

Personally, I used cellulose fiber in my pool service on any pool that had a DE filter, from the time it came out in 1992 until I went to an installation/repair only service in 2000. Saved more time, had cleaner water, less filter teardowns (went from 3X a week to 1X per month on two projects). From 100# DE a week to 2-25# bags of cellulose a month. You have to get used to using less both by weight and volume.

The best thing you can do is start with new grids. If you don't, it is good to soak them overnight in a good commercial filter cleaner to remove all the oils that get into the fabric. If you don't do either, you should do a teardown and completely remove all DE from the filter. For a filter that size, all the fiber you need can be from a container about the size of a 1# coffee can with the fiber packed in somewhat tightly. If you do it that way, expect a short (maybe 1 day) filter cycle because the fiber will soak the oils from the grids and clog very quickly. It will require another teardown to get it all out. That's why most people I knew wouldn't use it, they didn't clean the filter well and were surprised when they had to do a backwash or teardown at the next service call. I actually got a few bags for free from other pool guys who wouldn't use it again.

Using that small amount of fiber takes a "leap of faith." I used the scoop referenced below (its been around for longer than I've been doing pools), and when filled then packed down a bit and filled again to the top was all I needed for a filter your size. If you decide you don't like it, use it up and go back to DE, it won't hurt a thing.

Amazon.com

 

[ajw22]

My experience with cellulose fiber in my DE filter is it works too well and clogs too quickly requiring more frequent backwashing than with DE. That became a PITA and I went back to using DE.

So if you give cellulose a try keep an eye on how rapidly your filter pressure rises and when backwashing is needed. .

DE Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com