In this guide, we’ll provide step by step instructions on how to replace the grids for your DE filter. If you have noticed DE powder entering your pool from the return line; or have seen tears or fraying of the DE grid sheathing, you likely need to replace them.
Things You’ll Need
Step 1
Grid Size - Modern DE filters using curved grids have five standard sizes categorized by square footage. The common grid sizes are 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 square feet; the lengths of these grids are 12, 18, 24,30, and 36 inches, respectively. The square footage classification notes the amount of material needed to sheath the grid frame.
If you need help in determining your filter grid size, review this article: How to Select the Correct Replacement DE Grids.
Related Articles: How To Identify the Make and Model of My Pool Filter
Step 2
Backwash Your Filter - To clean out all the old DE and built-up debris, backwash your filter, before opening the tank. This will make changing the grids less of a mess, and the grid pack lighter to handle.
Click Here to Find Your Filter's Replacement DE Grid Pack
Step 3
Open Air Relief Valve - Purge water from your equipment and plumbing by opening the the filter’s air release valve.
Step 4
Drain Filter Tank - Remove the filter’s drain cap to allow water to drain from the tank bottom.
Step 5
Turn Power Off - Make sure the power to the pump is turned off at the breaker.
Step 6
Remove Clamp Assembly - With the water purged from the plumbing and tank bottom, remove the filter’s clamp assembly.
Step 7
Remove Tank Lid - Remove the filter tank lid, and set aside for the re-install.
Step 8
Remove Grid Assembly - Remove the filter’s grid assembly by lifting it up and off the tank bottom’s standpipe. The assembly and standpipe are likely caked with gunk, so you may need to wiggle it as you lift to separate them.
Step 9
Disassemble the Grid Assembly - Unscrew the nut or bolt that secures the top manifold to the assemblies’ tie rod. Each model’s grid assembly is a little different in various ways, but most grid assemblies are made of a top manifold, grids, grid base, and a tie rod. The tie rod is bolted to the base, runs up the middle of the assembly, and the manifold is secure to the tie rod, with a wingnut.
Turn the assembly right side up before removing the manifold.
Step 10
Inspect Grids - If you plan only to replace the damaged grids, take this time to inspect and remove them. If you replace the whole set, you can discard the old now.
Click Here to Find Your Filter's Replacement DE Grid Pack
Step 11
Clean Filter Tank - Thoroughly wash and remove any leftover debris left in the bottom of your filter tank. You will notice that even though we backwashed before we began disassembling the filter, there’s still a substantial amount of leftover DE powder and debris leftover in the tank.
Make sure to clean the gasket grooves on the top and bottom tank halves, for the main body O-ring.
Step 12
Place New Grids into Top Manifold - Begin reassembling the grid pack by placing the manifold on the ground, portholes facing up. Then going clockwise from the standpipe port begin placing the full-sized grids into the manifold.
Tip: The partial grid port may be marked on the manifold.
Step 13
Install Grid Retainer - Place the grid retainer over top the grids, making sure to align the space for the standpipe on it with the standpipe port on the top manifold. Also, make certain each grid is correctly situated between the retainer’s guide fins.
Step 14
Re-install Tie Rod - Insert tie rod through the bottom retainer, until it drops into the top manifold hole. Install wingnut if your model requires it for the tie rod, before flipping the grid pack.
Step 15
Flip Grid Pack - While holding the bottom retainer and top manifold, flip the grid assembly into an upright position.
Click Here to Find Your Filter's Replacement DE Grid Pack
Step 16
Secure Tie Rod - Secure the manifold to the top of the assembly by installing tie rob nut.
Step 17
Replace Standpipe Gasket - inspect the filter’s standpipe gasket and replace if necessary.
Tip: Rub the old gasket with a finger. If it leaves a black streak, it is a sign the rubber has begun to degrade, the o-ring should be replaced.
Step 18
Replace Tank Body O-ring - Inspect your main tank body o-ring, replace if necessary.
Tip: use silicone lube to ensure the large o-ring stays in place during installation, as to not get pinched when installing the upper tank and clamp assembly.
Find Your Filter’s Gaskets and Other Parts in Our Pool Filter Parts Section
Step 19
Install New DE Grid Assembly - Place the DE filter’s grid assembly into the filter tank bottom. Align the manifold’s standpipe port with the standpipe, then slide it into place.
Step 20
Install Filter Tank Lid - re-install the tank lid on the filter bottom. Ensure the main body o-ring stays in its groove before installing clamp assembly
Step 21
Install Clamp Assembly - Re-install the clamp assembly. To ensure a snug fit, use a rubber mallet to tamp the circumference of the clamp while tightening the clamp’s bolt. The tamping will ensure the clamp is snug around the tank body’s flange.
Click Here to Find Your Filter's Replacement DE Grid Pack
Step 22
Re-install Drain Plug - Screw in the filter’s tank’s drain plug.
Step 23
Check for Leaks - prime your pump, switch it on, then check your filter housing for any water leaks. If leaks are found disassemble and correctly re-install the misaligned seal.
Tip: while the pump is priming, keep the air relief valve to allow the trapped air o to escape. You may close the air relief when water begins to spray out of it.
Related Articles: How To Prime a Pool Pump
Step 24
Add DE Powder - Recharge your filter grids with DE powder.
Related article: How To Add DE Filter Powder, How Much DE to Add?
Step 25
Congratulations - You have successfully replaced your filter's DE grids. If you have any questions about how to replace your filter's DE grids, feel free to leave a comment down below.
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