What Backwashing Leaves Behind - How To Clean Your D.E. Pool Filter THE EASY WAY!!!

Originally recorded July 7, 2019.

This spring, before opening the pool, I replaced the filter grids in my D.E. filter. After opening the pool to find it swamp-like, I went through copious amounts of D.E. and backwashing cycles, sometimes backwashing twice in one day.

Did you know that backwashing isn't getting rid of all of the contaminants in your filter? Your filter needs to be opened up once or twice a season and internally cleaned to keep it working as it should. This video shows you how and what to do.

The filter depicted in this video is a Hayward D.E. 4820 model. Other Hayward filters should be very similar, other brands should open up in a similar fashion. The steps are the same, but your equipment may vary.

Related videos:
A Look Inside My Hayward D.E. 4820 Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filter (Pool Season 2019)
Replacing Hayward D.E. 4820 Filter Grid Assembly

[SueUlriksen]

I've been in total panic mode with my pool. I knew the pump needed cleaning but didn't know how to do it myself. I watched several youtube videos and then came across yours. I'm a 60+ woman by myself and can't thank you enough for explaining how to do this in terms even I can understand. The other videos either had audio issues or just didn't take into account you've got people out here who need basic step by step info. You saved me having to pay someone to do this for me and I'm so very grateful. Thank you sincerely for explaining this in such an easy to follow manner. Also loved your tangent on "balls to the wall". Lol.

[susanmoore]

I want to send you a super HUGE thank you. My husband took care of our pool and he passed away and I’m trying to figure it all out. This video is hands down the best YouTube video I’ve seen (I’ve had to watch many to fix things around the house). Your explanation is easy to understand and your buddy did a GREAT job with the camera work. Going to tackle this this weekend and hope it helps my pool clear up. Going to watch more of your videos!!

[timlong]

After 5 years of owning a pool, you’re video inspired me to open up my filter for the first time without the professionals. I followed your instructions to a tee and I did it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[budshepherd]

this video is fantastic for a first timer.. I will help my brother-in-law who has no clue how to clean his filter... we will watch this a couple of times then attack the filter.. thank you soooo much.. he is a first time pool owner.... thank you again.. Buddy S.

[zetagirl]

OMG thank you so much for this video. I just let my pool guy go and then got an algae bloom. Did a SLAM to clear it out of my pool but now my filter is not working so well. I was told to clean it. I saw a few videos and got so overwhelmed. But seeing your video has given me confidence on being able to get this done!! I appreciate you!!

[barys]

Very detailed and easy to understand everything you did. I spent 4 hours getting one back together lining up the filter grids TOTAL PAIN. Next time your way! Looks FINE.

[jeannelk]

Wonderful video! Clear, precise and informative... your camera man was spot on. I’ve done my filter for 30+ yrs and it’s not fun but the process is always the same. I like watching others in case I miss something over the years...

[petermaz]

You do an absolutely fantastic job with your pool I’ve been watching it’s progression from the winter to now and it’s amazing how well you keep it. I am 100% sure that most people don’t go through the process that you do this shows the pride you have in what you do.

[JMLRecording]

Thanks 4 the video! Some additional notes: Premix that DE in a 5 gal bucket w water first before you pour it in, shouldn't use a scoop directly. Also I recommend taking out the grid, once you get the pattern, it's actually quite easy. Also makes a big difference if you wipe down the large rubber gasket before putting it back in. Thanks again!

[markpurviance]

Nice video, I don't even have a backwash valve anymore. About every 2 months I remove all the grids to clean, not as bad as you think. Lay the manifold on a concrete surface, that will help you with a grid orientation. Taking a picture before you tear down always helps. Usually there's one short width grid, and all the rest are usually the same. Not as difficult as you think it just takes a little patience.

[joshnc]

Was cool to see that on backwash with the top off. Been a pool tech for a decade and never thought to even try that lol.

[felicitaflaro]

Excellent video I just finished cleaning my filter and by watching your video it was real helpful

[lawrenceanderson]

I was a fanatic. I used to take my Hayward 36 sq ft filter apart balls to the wall lol including taking the grids from the manifold to wash them thoroughly couple times a season. Had good lower pressure and had longer filter periods before having to clean again. Once a season did a chemical cleaning of the grids ( placed the grids in a 30 gall trash can in the chemicals)

[jibraanu]

Great video, thanks for sharing and breaking this down into simple steps. Just managed to do mine the first time after watching this.

[chito]

What great tutorial you explain everything to the T... I was always curious what happens inside now I know I always clean my filters the time consuming way each grid I wash I really appreciate this video thanx for the lesson it was excellent 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[yvonnegathing]

Omgosh. You are a blessing. Thank you so very much. Very detailed and easy to understand everything you did. No more monthly payments paying the pool guy. Much blessings.

[andygriffith]

Great video, thank you Jaykay18! I've been dealing with DE Filters at my house and my father-in-law's house and I've typically taken the filter grid out to spray it down with the hose. I'll be using this technique going forward, thanks! You put a great video together, something that the every day man can follow! Kudos to you!

[larryfinke]

Dang that’s nasty. I’ve been running a sand filter for 25 years and on the few occasions I’ve had to open it up I never had sludge like that. I guess you’ve saved me from ever considering DE. Great vid, thank you.

[rickj]

Great video. I just switched from a cartridge filter back to a DE. Had one for 10 years then switched which was a mistake. My pool guy charged my 48 sq. ft. Hayward with 7 lbs DE and suggested charging with a full 7 lbs after only a normal backwash ( wash, rinse 3 times) Seems like that will result in excess DE unless I do your method. Thanks for posting this 3 years ago. Timeless wisdom.

[kevintrammell]

You are so right it is not perfect but it is better than no doing it, and it is 10 times easier thane taking every filter out and then 30 minutes realigning all the filters in there proper place. Great video