DE not sticking on Filter: back in pool

[wonfineday]

My filter was working fine. Then backwashed and cleaned it thoroughly. I added DE through the skimmer, and it all ended up back in the pool. I opened up the filter and there is basically no DE on the filter.

Is replacing the filter grid the only possibility? (the grids are about $400 to $600) to replace. Would I be better off replacing the entire filter, given that my system is 15+ years old? (new filter with install would cost about $1,000).

I have the Sta-Rite system:3 filter. One of the "edges" is completely split - not sure if that is torn, or is that the beginning/end of the filter material. https://photos.app.goo.gl/98VHPD8xQR67EThm7

I'd really appreciate some advice/help? Thanks!
Ro

[Paul Land]

Leak or holes in gaskets and or fingerss

[Teapot1]

Never been a fan of DE, expensive, messy, too much free silica dust, can't use flocculent etc etc.
If you want to replace, I would use a sand filter with Dr Drydens Activate AFM ng filter media instead of sand. Never needs changing, filters down to 1 micron and below that with flocculent. Doesnt biofoul so bacteria cannot grow on its surface.
https://www.drydenaqua.com/afm/afm-ng

[wonfineday]

I am happy to report back that I got everything working again. I reseated the filter a few times, and turned the backwash valve up/down a few times. And lo and behold the DE stopped getting spit back. My take is (i) the filter needs to be positioned a certain way (ii) the split seam is really an end-seam and the filter was not torn. Hope these updates will help someone else in the future. I have sparkling clean water now

A lot (most!) of the DE has been sucked out by the pump but I do have quite-a-bit still at the bottom of the pool. Can the DE be vacuumed? Any other ideas to get the last of the DE out? Thanks!

[Denniswiseman]

Vacuum it and it will go back into the filter

[Teapot1]

When you get bored change to the better system I suggested.