Diatomaceous earth is a safe, non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine and bromine-based chemicals.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fossilized remains of marine planktonic algae called diatoms. Diatoms live in oceans and lakes and are responsible for making up more than half of the world’s total biomass. D.E. has been used as an insecticide since ancient times. In fact, diatomaceous earth was one of the first natural pesticides ever discovered. If you looked at D.E. under a microscope, it would look like a super tiny sponge.
How is D.E. Used in pools?
Diatomaceous earth is an effective, natural way to kill algae in swimming pools. It works by absorbing water and releasing tiny particles that clog the pores in microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other pathogens, killing them. D.E. pools provide excellent water quality while saving energy and ultimately reducing maintenance costs. D.E. works by coating the filter and as water passes over the grids, the DE particles capture even the smallest suspended dirt particles and pathogens but lets the water through.
Do I just pour some D.E. into my pool?
No. The best way is to use a diatomaceous earth pool filter. The D.E. filter works by using diatomaceous earth as a filter medium. This material absorbs water and releases small particles that block the pores in the skin, killing algae. D.E. filters are safer than other methods of pool filtration and have been shown to be more effective at filtering out debris and bacteria compared to sand filters and cartridge filter systems.
What else should I know about the D.E. filters?
D.E. filters come in sheets, called grids. Each grid has a fine material to catch the dirt and algae as it goes through the filter. Sunscreen, body oils and more also get trapped in the filters along with the algae and dirt.
Ick! How do I clean my D.E. filter?
Cleaning these filters requires a professional to prevent accidental tearing. For the month of September, Swim ‘N Fun is offering customers a special on D.E. filter cleaning. The 2022 Fall D.E. Filter cleaning includes carefully removing the filters and cleaning them, as well as cleaning out the bottom of the filter and removing the used D.E. and following the cleaning Swim ‘N Fun will backwash the filter, which means we will use the extra hose line to push the dirt out. We do all of this and inspect each piece at every step prior to putting it all back together. Our sale price is $250 for the D.E. filter cleaning.
More about Swim ‘N Fun
While you can do a lot on your own to keep your pool looking good and ready for you whenever you want, sometimes you might need professional help. In fact, we recommend you have your pool serviced at least once a year just to make sure everything is as it should be. Plus, we are really good at checking your equipment such as filters, pumps, and heating systems for major and minor issues.
Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Our trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.
Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!
We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.