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.
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.
- How To Add DE Filter Powder – Video
- How To Backwash a DE Filter – Video
- How To Fully Clean a DE Filter – Video
- How To Replace DE Filter Grids
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.
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?
When replacing the grids is that considered a cleaning in the DE measurements ?
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.
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.
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.
My system has the required amount of DE on it…. 6 lbs. I purchase DE in 6 lb bags. Makes it easy
That’s an oddly specific amount to sell, but I’m glad it is working for you.
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.
How can you call yourself one of our readers, if you don’t actually read the article?
The link to the scoop claims it holds 1 pound of D.E.
I was told my orange DE scoop was a lb.🤷🏼♀️
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
What height are your grids I’m thinking you don’t have an 80 SF filter
When using a D.E. scoop, does the DE have to be compacted in the scoop, or does it really not matter?
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.
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