Adding DE Powder To Hayward ProGrid Filter: Correct Amounts By Model

Manufacturer-Specified DE Amounts By Model

These amounts come directly from the Hayward ProGrid owner's manual (ISDE2423EF RevE). Use the model number from the filter label to identify the correct dose. All amounts are for a full charge after backwash or after a manual cleaning.

Model	Filter Area	DE Charge (lbs)	DE Charge (kg)
DE2420	24 sq ft	3.0 lbs	1.4 kg
DE3620	36 sq ft	4.5 lbs	2.0 kg
DE4820	48 sq ft	6.0 lbs	2.7 kg
DE6020	60 sq ft	7.5 lbs	3.4 kg
DE7220	72 sq ft	9.0 lbs	4.0 kg

You will also find the correct amount on the filter label itself. When in doubt, the label on the tank is always the authoritative source.

How To Add DE After Backwash

1. Complete the full backwash procedure. Return the valve to FILTER position. The pump should be running.
2. Measure the correct DE amount by weight using a kitchen or postal scale. Do not estimate by volume — DE density varies by product.
3. Pre-mix the DE with water in a bucket or feed it directly into the skimmer. Most techs pour it directly into the skimmer with the pump running.
4. Add DE through the skimmer as fast as the plumbing will take it. The DE slurry should flow steadily into the suction line and reach the filter within seconds.
5. After adding all the DE, wait 2–3 minutes for the charge to fully distribute across the grids.
6. Record the pressure gauge reading. This is your clean pressure. Note it in your service record and on the filter label if space allows.

Handling The Pre-Coat Puff

After adding DE, you may see a brief white cloud return through the pool jets. This is normal and should clear within 60–90 seconds as the DE loads onto the grids. If you see a persistent cloud or a large puff that does not clear:

• On a Vari-Flo valve: set the valve to RINSE before adding DE, so pre-coat water goes to waste instead of the pool. Return to FILTER once the returns clear.
• Add DE more slowly — pour it into the skimmer in 1-lb increments, waiting for each batch to load before adding the next.
• If the puff persists after the full charge loads, suspect a torn grid or failed O-ring — see the DE returning to pool guide.

Common Dosing Mistakes

Over-dosing DE

Adding more DE than specified does not improve filtration. Excess DE creates an overly thick cake on the grids that raises clean pressure immediately and shortens cycle length. It can also cause DE to bypass into the pool if the cake is too thick and falls off the grids.

Under-dosing DE

Too little DE means the grid cloth is not fully coated. Fine particles that the DE would have captured pass through to the pool. The water may look clear to the eye but fail for turbidity or have elevated particulate contamination.

Adding DE with the valve on the wrong position

Never add DE while the valve is in BACKWASH, WASTE, or RECIRCULATE — the DE will be washed out immediately. The valve must be in FILTER (or RINSE for Vari-Flo only) when pre-coating.

Not recording clean pressure

Without a recorded baseline pressure, you cannot diagnose high pressure issues. Every time you add DE, note the pressure reading in your service app or on the filter label.

Operating Without DE (Emergency Only)

Hayward's manual states: "To avoid damage to the grid elements, DO NOT operate the filter for more than a minute or two without the D.E. pre-coat." If you start the system and cannot add DE immediately (no DE on the truck, skimmer valve closed, etc.), shut the filter down or move to RECIRCULATE. Operating bare grids at full flow for extended periods will accelerate wear on the cloth.