Clean it out and start again.
Check and manual for the amount of DE in the filter. Too much is like throwing money literally down the drain. While your cleaning the grids check for tears.
Firstly you find out how the DE got into the pool - must be a broken filter pad. Fix that, then vacuum the pool. No point vacuuming before you fix the filter problem, or the DE will finsih up back in the pool.
The amount of DE (diatomaceous earth) needed for an 18x36 inground pool filter typically ranges from 1 to 2 pounds per square foot of the filter's surface area. To determine the exact amount, check the filter's specifications, as they often indicate the recommended DE amount. Generally, an 18x36 pool may require about 4 to 6 pounds of DE, depending on the filter model. Always consult your filter's manual for precise guidelines.
Salt is not a filter, it is added to pool water to allow a chlorine generator to operate.
You add diatomaceous earth (de) powder to a pool based on the size of the filter. Most pool filters have a plate on the side telling you how much de powder you need to add. If your filter does not have such a plate, the general formula is that you add 1 lb. of de powder for every 10 sq. ft. of filter area. That is, you need to measure the length, width, of your filter, taking the pleats into account, and use the formula "sq. ft. = length x width" to determine the square footage of your filter.
Its more about water volume and filter area. We have a 100,000 gallon pool that uses 180 square feet of filter area - these consume 25 pounds of DE every time we backflush and recharge the filters. Assuming your pool is 5 feet deep on average you only have 3000 cubic feet of water which is about 23,000 gallons. So you would need roughly 6 or 7 pounds of DE. Of course if your pool has more water then you need more DE. Your filter manufacturers should tell you how much DE you need.
Check the grid and manifolds for holes or cracks.
How do you back flush a pool filter?
broken filter grid
Simply put, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) are the bones of tiny little animals that lived millions and millions of years ago, diatoms. This DE is used to coat the "grids" inside the DE filter which captures and filters particles as small as 5 microns. When the filter pressure rises, the swimming pool DE filter is backwashed in the same manner as a sand filter. A slurry of DE is put into the skimmer to "recharge" or "re-coat" the grids of these swimming pool DE filters. This type of filter is effective and efficient but a little more expensive to maintain. Some call it the "water polisher" of pool filters.
If your water is staying clean it just indicate that there is not much dirt getting into your pool.
Yes, too much diatomaceous earth (DE) powder in a pool can be dangerous. Excessive DE can lead to poor water circulation, cloudy water, and can irritate skin and eyes. Additionally, if ingested, it may cause health issues for swimmers. It's important to follow manufacturer guidelines for proper DE usage in pool filtration systems.
It is recommended to add about 1-2 cups of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) per 10 square feet of filter area after backwashing your pool filter. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your filter model and size when adding DE after backwashing.