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How Much DE to Add?

How Much DE to Add
Patrick Paroline

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How Much DE to Add?

“How much DE do I add to my filter?” is one of the common questions we get on a daily basis. We decided to put this article together as a quick cheat sheet when it is time to replace your DE powder. It is important to try and add the proper amount of DE to your filter, if you add too little DE then dirt, oils and debris may get embedded into your grids ruining them. If you add too much DE then it is possible to have bridging, meaning that the DE powder builds up too much between the grids reducing flow and filtering capacity. These two issues occur if you are way under or way over on your DE powder so if you are off by a scoop or so don’t sweat it.

New Filters & Full Cleaning’s

If you are starting with a brand new DE filter installation or doing a full cleaning meaning you are removing all of the DE fromyour filter grids then you will add 1 lb of D.E. powder for every 10 square feet (Sq. Ft.) of filter area. We suggest doing a full DE filter cleaning 1-2 times per year. Below are a few of the most popular DE filter sizes along with the required DE amounts.

  • 24 Sq. Ft. = 2.4 Lbs.
  • 36 Sq. Ft. = 3.6 Lbs.
  • 48 Sq. Ft. = 4.8 Lbs.
  • 60 Sq. Ft. = 6 Lbs.
  • 72 Sq. Ft. = 7.2 Lbs.

After Back-washing

Normally to clean your DE filter you perform a process called back-washing, this is a process where you use the backwash valve mounted on your filter to strip the dirty layer of DE off of your DE grids. When back-washing you do not remove all of the DE from the grids. Since you are not removing all of the DE powder
you will add roughly 80% of the DE powder compared to a full cleaning. Below are a few of the most popular DE filter sizes along with the required DE amounts after back-washing.

  • 24 Sq. Ft. = 1.9 Lbs.
  • 36 Sq. Ft. = 2.8 Lbs.
  • 48 Sq. Ft. = 3.8 Lbs.
  • 60 Sq. Ft. = 4.8 Lbs.
  • 72 Sq. Ft. = 5.7 Lbs.

How to Measure DE Powder?

Most likely you don’t have a scale by your pool, so the next question is… “How do I measure DE powder?” A lot of people use a 1 Pound coffee can to measure their DE powder as a 1 lb. coffee can is equal to ½ Lb. of DE powder. The problem with using a coffee can is that these days a 1 lb. coffee can is hard to find as they all seem to be 13 oz. To eliminate confusion we suggest getting a DE Scoop. A DE Scoop is specially designed to measure DE powder and 1 scoop is equal to 1/2 lb. of DE powder. To determine how many scoops or coffee cans of DE your filter requires take your filter square footage and divide by 5 (this would be after a full cleaning). After back-washing you would take your filter square footage and divide by 6. To make this easier we have listed the number of scoops needed for the most popular sized DE filters.

How Much DE Powder

New Filters & Full Cleaning’s

  • 24 Sq. Ft. = 5 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 36 Sq. Ft = 7 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 48 Sq. Ft. = 10 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 60 Sq. Ft. = 12 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 72 Sq. Ft. = 14 Scoops – Coffee Cans

After Back-washing

  • 24 Sq. Ft. = 3 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 36 Sq. Ft. = 5 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 48 Sq. Ft. = 7 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 60 Sq. Ft. = 9 Scoops – Coffee Cans
  • 72 Sq. Ft. = 11 Scoops – Coffee Cans

Additional Resources

If you are adding DE powder to your filter, then you may be doing other tasks like back-washing or replacing damaged DE grids so we created some articles and videos which will help walk through these common maintenance tasks.

DE Backwashing

The next time your pool is looking a little cloudy we hope you will come back to this article as your go to resource for adding DE powder to your pool filter. If you have any questions on determining how how much DE you need then post your questions in the comments below and we would be happy to help. You can always reach us toll free at 1-877-372-6038 and we would be happy to help.

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Patrick Paroline
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73 responses to “How Much DE to Add?”

  1. Jerry Avatar
    Jerry

    I used DE for many years in SoCal. It did the job, but many customers objected to washing the girds in their lawn or garden areas. We were not allowed to wash in to the street. I came across Perlite at a trade show. It proved to be a blessing. About half the weight of DE, it is used in potting soil as a water retainer, so no issue with washing in lawns or garden areas. Did a comparable job to DE, but i found it would backwash better and not fall to the bottom of the tank. Didn’t like the cellulose, seemed to filter too fine and stress the grids.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      I have heard of this Perlite but have not had any hands-on experience with it. From your descriptions it sounds like a product I should check into for my own pool. I’ll let you know what my findings are in a new blog.

      Reply
      1. Gene Avatar
        Gene

        Is perlite a legitimate option to DE?

        Reply
        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
          Matthew Simmons

          I myself have never used Perlite but most of the reviews and word of mouth is that it is a pretty good substitute for DE. The Perlite material is a little bit lighter, non-toxic, and backwashes a lot cleaner than DE. DE powder cakes on pretty thick, so much so, that even after a thorough backwash won’t dislodge parts of the material.

          I’d give it a try.

          Reply
      2. Andrea Avatar
        Andrea

        I back washed my filter and before putting DE my pressure was 15. I barely put 2 scoops of DE using the DE scoop and pressure is back up to 20. Help! I’m afraid to put more DE. Sweep is running fine and all the baskets are empty

        Reply
        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
          Matthew Simmons

          What size is your filter?

          Reply
  2. Jaroslava Avatar
    Jaroslava

    I know this sound a little confusing but it’s well worth the time invested in learning how much DE powder to use.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      This is true; figuring out the correct amount of DE it takes to charge your grids will prevent gumming up the works.

      Reply
  3. Derek Avatar
    Derek

    I have a DE scoop that I got from a local pool supply that looks similar to the one pictured. When filled it weighs 1lb. Should I trust this weight or go by your guide?

    Reply
    1. Jason Avatar
      Jason

      Just in case, are you being sure to zero your scale so you are not using the weight of the scoop itself in your calculations.

      Reply
    2. Donna Avatar
      Donna

      Thanks for the info. I weighed my store DE scoop with and without DE powder and it was closer to 1 lb than a 1/2. I need to measure by weight now.

      Reply
    3. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Mine holds 1 lb also. Empty, it’s 5 oz, full of DE it’s 21 oz.

      Reply
  4. cheryl Avatar
    cheryl

    my husband drained the pool. resurfaced it and let it cure for 6 days. it is refilled now but I can not get the pool to filter. the motor goes on, i filled the basket but it just empties. there is no suction in skimmer and no action at all in outlets unless i use hose water into the out let of the pump. does nothing but fill the pool. could the pipes be clogged and if so what would i use to declog them? thanks.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      A clogged pipe can be cleared with a plumber’s snake. There are how-to videos on plumber snakes on Youtube, and the snakes themselves can be found at any hardware store. Also a sucking air leak making be an issue: How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks

      Reply
    2. Pool tech Avatar
      Pool tech

      Check the valves. They could have been closed from the pool being emptied.

      Reply
    3. H Bell Avatar
      H Bell

      Could you have the filter set to DRAIN instead of the filter cycle? If so, you may have suction at the drain and out, instead of the skimmer and re circulate back into the pool. Check your pump valve setting.

      Reply
  5. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    Hi my name is Barbara and since my husbands illness I am now trying to get the pool started. We added all new fresh water and I have a 15′ round pool. I bought a 12 lb. bag of DE and the filter says to add 6 lbs of DE, which is half of he bag. My husband says he has never added that much before, only about four coffee cans full. Do I use the whole half bag?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      If you are recharging old grids, you do not need to use the full amount. Reference the second half of the article, titled: After Back-washing.

      Reply
  6. Pj Avatar
    Pj

    How about when opening your pool ? Do you prefer to put the DE in the second you turn on your pumps thru the skimmers? Or do you start with some DE in the filter before turning on? I packed my filter up for the winter time into the garage and got my grids back to DE free for winterizing so spring time I’m starting with fresh clean grids.

    Keep hearing different opinions on it though

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      We advise you wait to add DE until the pump is primed to ensure full coverage of the DE grids.

      Reply
  7. George Avatar
    George

    I have a pentair Clean& clear 420 sq. Ft. How much earth do I use?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      You don’t. The Clean and Clear is a cartridge filter and not a D.E. type.

      Reply
  8. Jim - Marshfield, MA Avatar
    Jim – Marshfield, MA

    I added 5 lbs of DE to my 48 sf Hayward filter after a thorough cleaning. It turned my water cloudy. Will it clear up or do I have a problem?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      Is the cloudiness actually DE powder that got past your grids? If so you may have a torn grid or a cracked manifold. Inspect your filter grids when you get a chance.

      Reply
  9. Walter Avatar
    Walter

    Hi, I just purchased a bag of AquaPerl Perlite for my Pentair Quad D.E. 60. My manual says to add 12 scoops of D.E. to the filter. Would that mean that I would also use 12 scoops of Perlite since its a lot lighter than de?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      I would read the instructions on the package, it should state how many scoops of Perlite to use in comparison to the recommended DE dose.

      Reply
  10. Kim Ryan Avatar
    Kim Ryan

    Hi there, How would I find out how many sq ft my pool filter is? I’m new to this whole thing and we’ve just bought a new home with a 27,000 gallon rectangular inground pool. I have a Hayward 65 DE filter and when I have to backwash and re-add the DE powder, I’m trying to figure out how much to add and how to clean it. A bit overwhelming lol but I’m trying.

    Reply
    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Any reply to above??? I need answers too.

      Reply
      1. Megan A-P Avatar
        Megan A-P

        It should be ON the labels of your filter.

        Reply
  11. Janet King Avatar
    Janet King

    My de filter looks fine with de on all grids but when we are cleaning it there is some debris flowing back into the pool. How do I fix this so my pool is clean when I’m done.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      What kind of debris is it? Is it DE powder or silt of some sort? If it is DE, the grids may have a tear. If it is silt, then it would be weird because a DE filter should be able to scoop that up with no problem. But try some clarifier and/or Floc and vac to help the filter.

      Reply
  12. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I have a hayward de3620 filter. I did a cleaning of it and it was caked with muck. I thoroughly cleaned it. Now I see what looks like de in the pool and we’ve been swimming in it. So 2 questions.
    1. Is it ok to swim in it until I get new grids
    2. Is it probably a tear after being only 4 months old

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      1) Yes, it is probably safe to still go swimming.

      2) Maybe, but there only want to find out is to open the filter. But here is a guide on this situation: Getting DE Powder Back in Your Pool

      Reply
  13. John Avatar
    John

    I have a Sand Filter and someone mentioned that using D.E. powder can help to catch some of micro particles that seem to pass through the sand. If this is so, how much and where to I apply (10,000 gallon pool, T180 filter). Or if you have any other suggestions on how to improve my sand filters cleaning/filtration I would greatly appreciate the advice!

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      I have never tried it myself, but I have heard good things about the addition of DE to sand. Add DE by it directly into your skimmer, while the pump is running. Most tanks take about one to two cups for coverage, so I would start with one, let the filter run for a day or so. After that period, check the water clarity to determine if more needs to be added.

      Reply
  14. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    I’m relatively new to the inground pool thing. Our pump/filter caught fire last year so we borrowed a filter from a friend. The label on filter says 1 coffee can .5lbs per 5 sq ft. I have clue how much DE to add. How to you figure out sq footage?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      The standard DE grids sizes can be determined by measuring the length of the grids. Here is a chart:

      de grid size chart

      Reply
  15. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    I have found out I have a Purex Triton DE filter. FNSP 36. 36″ filter I believe. Which would be .5 lbs per 5 sq ft.

    How much DE to add into clean grids and for backwashing?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      The very first two sections have bulleted lists for that info.

      Reply
  16. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    I have a Jacuzzi Landslide (LS55) DE filter. My grids are 18″ long in both 8.5″ & 7″ widths. How do I figure out the square footage and correct amount of DE?

    Reply
  17. Will K Avatar
    Will K

    I have a sand filter, and was told to use d.e. i am not sure how much to use, my pool is a 15’x48″ above ground round pool.

    Reply
  18. Deb Avatar
    Deb

    My DE filter is putting materials back into my pool including DE powder that is settling on the bottom of my pool. What should I check for?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      Go here for a list of things to check: Getting DE Powder in Your Pool?

      Reply
    2. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Check grids and manafold

      Reply
  19. Avatar
    Anonymous

    My problem is quite unique. An archaic Anthony Pool, and filter from 1969, ( it’s a vertical filter, with large round screens) that unfortunately was never upgraded to an upright. The pool was a disaster, green it was, like a swamp until i got it under control. Afterwards, when I started to vacuum the pool, I noticed green water spewing back into the pool at each spout. I’ve replaced, (yes I actually found a place online that makes the round filters) each filter, and still have green entering when i vacuum. Any ideas on why this would be happening? I’m at my wits end.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      there may be some algae remnants in your pipes that will eventually clear up if you keep your chlorine where it should be.

      Reply
  20. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Happens right as I start to vacuum. Seems it goes right through the filters, same thing when I add DE.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      My first step would be to check the DE grids for tears, or check the manifold for cracks or damaged o-rings.

      Reply
  21. alex Avatar
    alex

    I have a quad de80 junk and these new cartridges aren’t built for de I don’t even know why they advertise them this way it passes de at start up for 15 seconds and it won’t stick to the grids after running 2 days pentair came out replace filters and manifold gaskets rings same and the stupid pipe that goes in middle that no use and still same there is sick them selves lol what a junk product its a hit or miss gone go back to real de filter 4000 series or new clear and clean whats are your thought we pulled out everything on new pool not issues wth plumbing

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      Are you sure you purchased the right replacement DE elements? There are quite a few filter cartridges that match the dimensions of the Quad De’s filter elements but don’t use the same fabric, making for a bad fit, leading to DE leaks are you describe.

      Reply
  22. alex Avatar
    alex

    its pentair filters 450 for 4 I replaced the manifold rings top manifold and still the same I ran into 3 others people with same issues with quad de60 the replaced the filter complete unit 3 times and still the same. Pentair worst customer service doesn’t even care .Mahew what are your thought on then Fns plus old school rids which are in my opinion still the best ir the new clean and clear 520 0sqft cartridge only filter I hear lot of people are happy with results

    Reply
  23. alex Avatar
    alex

    or Hayward or water way

    Reply
  24. Dominika Avatar
    Dominika

    I just got a Hayward de6020 pro grid de filter. It has been working great, it got our water clear, however the pressure gauge goes up so fast. I backwash about 2 to 3 times a day which I think is crazy because the water is almost all clear now. Can anyone shed some light on this as to why it is making me backwash so much

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      You say “water is almost completely clear” does that mean you have been dealing with algae or cloudiness issue? if so, that is probably the reason you are having to repeated backwashes. Once the water clears up, the need to backwash should disappear as well. you may want to try an additive like Pool First Aid or a flocculant.

      Reply
      1. Dominika Avatar
        Dominika

        Yes we were dealing with a lot of algae. The water is not cloudy at all. We just have some debris left at bottom which needs to just be vaccummed up. We cleaned the filter yesterday but completely rising out the de off the grids . It was gross how dirty it was. We then added new de and had the everything running all night. Today the guage is up to 20 again.it just drives me insane doing all this backwashing and spending money on the de.

        Reply
  25. alex Avatar
    alex

    so cartridge or de

    Reply
  26. alex Avatar
    alex

    after man hours and sleepless nights of research and troubleshooting my self I’ve come t o conclusion that one pentair sucks with customer service and backing there product the quad cartridge is junk and the only good de fiber is the 4000 series and Fns plus

    and for people who have variable speed pump the de is not even gone work proper cause it won’t adhere properly and cover the bottom half of the filter only so better to go with clean and clear Hayward just because Pentair customer and tech are all stupid and unprofessiomnal

    Reply
  27. Mohammad A. Avatar
    Mohammad A.

    When using a D.E. scoop, does the DE have to be compacted in the scoop, or does it really not matter?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      No, the powder does not need to be compacted. Just dip the scoop in, fill it to the brim then pour it into the skimmer.

      Reply
  28. Dave Avatar
    Dave

    Are all DE Scoops the same ? Mine is Blue and says 1 scoop per 5sq ft so this makes it sound like it is 1/2 lb. But measuring DE less the plastic empty scoop get closer to 10oz. ( 1/2 lb is 8oz )

    Your article is confusing. In one place it says for NEW cleanings “add 1 lb of D.E. powder for every 10 square feet (Sq. Ft.) of filter area. ” So what is the correct answer for a Filter that is either brand new or has been broken down and cleaned of DE 100% ?

    My filter is 80SQ FT so directions are 8lbs. How many blue scoops or do I forgo that and just weigh the DE and add 8lbs?

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Dickie Avatar
      Dickie

      What height are your grids I’m thinking you don’t have an 80 SF filter

      Reply
  29. Jim Avatar
    Jim

    How is it that a website specializing in pool care doesn’t have the measurement for DE powder converted from pounds to cup. JFC guys.

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      How can you call yourself one of our readers, if you don’t actually read the article?

      Most likely you don’t have a scale by your pool, so the next question is… “How do I measure DE powder?” A lot of people use a 1 Pound coffee can to measure their DE powder as a 1 lb. coffee can is equal to ½ Lb. of DE powder. The problem with using a coffee can is that these days a 1 lb. coffee can is hard to find as they all seem to be 13 oz. To eliminate confusion we suggest getting a DE Scoop. A DE Scoop is specially designed to measure DE powder and 1 scoop is equal to 1/2 lb. of DE powder. To determine how many scoops or coffee cans of DE your filter requires take your filter square footage and divide by 5 (this would be after a full cleaning). After back-washing you would take your filter square footage and divide by 6. To make this easier we have listed the number of scoops needed for the most popular sized DE filters.

      Reply
      1. Phil Avatar
        Phil

        The link to the scoop claims it holds 1 pound of D.E.

        Reply
      2. JoAnn Avatar
        JoAnn

        I was told my orange DE scoop was a lb.🤷🏼‍♀️

        Reply
  30. Katie Wesley Avatar
    Katie Wesley

    When replacing the grids is that considered a cleaning in the DE measurements ?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      Yes, I would count it as a full cleaning, rather than a backlash. while the filter is open and the grid cluster is removed, I’d clean out the bottom of the tank of any settled DE, or debris.

      Reply
      1. Chris Avatar
        Chris

        My filter is a 48sqft
        I put roughly 1 scoop when I clean it my pool water is crystal clear I can’t understand
        Why they say to add so much when it seems like the recommended is more than half the filter case.

        Reply
        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
          Matthew Simmons

          The amount specified in the article is the recommended dose of DE needed to cover your grid pack’s square footage. One scoop of DE is not enough to adequately cover your grids unless you aren’t backwashing the filter completely. Also, if you are doing this in the winter, you don’t see the full effect of having unfiltered water. When it is summertime, and your water has to deal with pollen, rain run-off, and water temperatures conducive to algae growth, you may not have that crystal clear water.

          Reply
      2. Carolroberto1948@gmail.com Avatar
        Carolroberto1948@gmail.com

        My system has the required amount of DE on it…. 6 lbs. I purchase DE in 6 lb bags. Makes it easy

        Reply
        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
          Matthew Simmons

          That’s an oddly specific amount to sell, but I’m glad it is working for you.

          Reply
      3. Avatar
        Anonymous

        Your article says that one scoop is a half a pound of de. when I click on the scoop that you hyperlink to and read in the description for the product, it says one scoop is 1 lb.

        Reply
  31. TS Adams Avatar
    TS Adams

    After doing a full clean and adding the DE back to the skimmer, is it normal for some DE to filter back to the pool?

    Reply

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