Sand Vs. Diatomaceous Earth

I want to make a confession. I am a lazy pool owner. Perhaps, the laziest pool owner in the Northeast. I’d argue I’m the laziest in the country, but I’ve been to the deep south. I’m so lazy, that I look out for new products that make taking care of my pool simpler. Anything that requires less work on my part is good for me. This is where my argument begins.

I am well aware that D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) filters are the better pool filters, but I must admit that I’m a sand man through and through. D.E. filters, filter out a finer particle, which means that they are clearly (pun intended) the better filter when it comes to getting your swimming pool clear. The problem I have with D.E. filters is that they require SO MUCH maintenance. More than I can handle.

• Filling up the filter with D.E. powder
• Backwashing the filter
• Adding more D.E. powder
• Bumping the handle (if you have an above ground Hayward model)
• Cleaning it out with a hose when it gets to be TOO MUCH

I’m exhausted just writing about it. Who the heck wants to go through all that work, just to keep a pool clear. Not me, which is why I stick to sand. Sand filters are so easy to use. When you first buy one, you fill it up with sand. It runs for a while and when the pressure builds up and you have to back wash it, all you do is turn the handle and you’re done. You’ve backwashed your filter and you didn’t even have to add any additional sand. Plus that sand last for three to five years. Take that D.E.!!!

For your entertainment, I’ve re-posted our video on How To Backwash Your Sand Filter. You can see how easy it is.