- 1). Evaluate all of the filter connections. Review each hose connecting to and from the diatomaceous earth filter to check for leaks. Leaking hoses not only allows water to escape, it also allows air to enter the filter system. DE pool filters operate in a vacuum environment and added air causes it to malfunction.
- 2). Take note of the pressure gauge. When the pressure gauge rises, you also notice a diminished flow of water returning to the pool. This means the DE Filter needs cleaning. Open the filter, remove the existing diatomaceous earth, pull out the internal filter and spray it with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. After cleaning the filter, re-assemble and add a fresh batch of DE.
- 3). Remove debris from the skimmer and the DE pool pump basket. To remove the debris from the basket, open the lid of the pool pump, reach in and empty the basket.
- 4). Check the impeller. The water is pulled into the DE filter via the pool pump. The pool pump's impeller is found in the back of the pump basket. To access it, open the pump basket and stick your fingers through the tube leading from the pump basket to the impeller. Once you've found the impeller and removed the debris, test the impeller for stability. It should move without a wobble, if it wobbles, it's time to replace it.
- 5). Listen to the pool pump motor. Most diatomaceous pool pump motors last for a long time but old motors eventually wear out. If you hear a grinding sound or a loud whine and notice that even after cleaning the DE filter, the water return pressure is low, replace the pool pump motor.
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