Loads of DE in my pool

[mr_clean]

not with a DE filter only a sand filter.

a sand filter if not vacuumed in waste will fill up fast with debris and slow down suction as their the low end of the scale for filters.

a DE does not need this, just wait until pressure rises & then backwash, you should be able to vac weekly and only have to backwash every 90-120 days.

Now if your filter is undersized for your pool you would need to backwash more often.

the key is to only backwash when needed so you only have to pull apart filter once a year to clean. If you backwash to often then to much DE buildsup inside filter & can crush grids/crack manifold.

This is a plus for you

[jim]

OK I bought the vacuum stuff and have been trying it. I seem to loose pressure and was told my hose was not sufficently filled with water. I filled the hose but still lost pressure. I have two hole skimmers and thought that perhaps I should close off one of my skimmers and tried that but the valves won't budge. I am afraid to put too much pressure trying to move them and don't know what to do. I have pictures of the two valves. Please check it out and tell me where I have gone wrong.
Thanks a million

http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww29 ... 140177.jpg

http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww29 ... 140178.jpg