DE Filters

Shop DE Pool Filters for the Clearest Water Your Pool Can Have

Pool DE filters deliver the finest filtration of any pool filter type, trapping particles down to 2–5 microns—far finer than sand at 20–40 microns or cartridge at 10–15 microns. A diatomaceous earth pool filter works by coating fabric grid elements with DE powder, a naturally occurring fossilized algae with a microscopic honeycomb structure that acts as a precision filtration barrier.

As pool water passes through the DE-coated grids, debris, algae, and fine particles are captured before clean water returns to the pool. Pool DE filters are the preferred choice for pool owners who demand the clearest possible water and are comfortable with a routine maintenance schedule, including backwashing after pressure buildup and a seasonal grid teardown and deep clean.

At Fresh Pool Supply, we stock Hayward DE filters and Pentair DE filters covering pools from 40,000 to 50,000+ gallons. Free shipping on all orders over $49.99, nationwide.

Hayward ProGrid 48 Sq.Ft. DE Filter: Available Online

The Hayward ProGrid DE filter’s one-piece flange clamp gives quick internal access without disturbing plumbing, a practical advantage during seasonal grid teardowns. You can find quality replacement grid assemblies in our Filter Parts category.

Want More Filtration Power? Pentair DE Filters Are Waiting In-Store

Pentair DE filter models are available for local pickup at Fresh Pool Supply Henderson. Visit our showroom or contact our team directly for current pricing and freight availability.

• Pentair FNS Plus 60 (SKU 35-240-02456): 60 sq. ft., 120 GPM, suited for pools up to ~50,000 gallons. Built with fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene for chemical resistance and maximum structural strength under high pressure.

• Pentair Quad DE 80 (SKU 35-240-05574): 80 sq. ft., 160 GPM, suited for large residential and light commercial pools above 50,000 gallons. Combines the heavy-duty 2-micron clarity of DE with the high surface area and cleaning convenience of a cartridge-style internal design.

DE Pool Filter How It Works: Powder, Grids, and 2-Micron Clarity

• The Coating Process: After every backwash cycle, fresh diatomaceous earth (DE) powder is added directly through the skimmer while your pump is running in standard "Filter" mode. The water carries the powder straight into the tank, where it evenly coats the fabric grid elements to form the active filtration bed.

• Microscopic Filtration: As pool water passes through the coated grids, the millions of microscopic pores in the DE layer trap dirt, oils, and microscopic debris down to 2–5 microns, providing unmatched water clarity.

• The Backwash Cycle: As the filter collects debris, internal pressure rises. When the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above your clean starting pressure, it is time to backwash the system to flush out the spent DE and trapped contaminants to waste. Once complete, you simply recharge the system with fresh powder.

• Seasonal Maintenance: Once per pool season, or whenever backwashing fails to drop the pressure back down to baseline, the tank must be opened so the internal grid assembly can be manually hosed off, deep-cleaned, and inspected for tears.

Need to recharge your system? Premium powder options are readily available in our Pool Chemicals DE Filter Media category.

DE Filter vs. Cartridge Filter Pool: Which Is Right for You?

For the DE filter vs. cartridge filter pool decision: DE wins on absolute water clarity and excels with high-demand setups like in-floor cleaning systems. Cartridge remains the lower-maintenance choice for standard residential pools.

Parts, Media, and 20 Years of Pool Know-How: All In One Place

Fresh Pool Supply has been serving residential and commercial pool owners for over 20 years. Every DE pool filter we stock is sourced from premier manufacturers and elite, field-tested brands, ensuring you receive high-caliber equipment, reliable performance, and full warranty coverage. Plus, all orders over $49.99 ship completely free nationwide.

DE filter ownership requires two ongoing consumables: DE powder and replacement grids. Our Henderson, NV store offers free in-store repair services, free computerized water analysis, and expert guidance on DE filter sizing and seasonal teardowns. For Pentair FNS Plus or Quad DE in-store pricing, contact our storefront directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a DE pool filter and how does it work?

A diatomaceous earth pool filter coats internal fabric grid elements with DE powder to trap particles as small as 2–5 microns. Water passes through the DE-coated grids, capturing fine debris and algae. When pressure rises, the filter is backwashed to flush out the dirt and old powder, then quickly recharged with fresh DE powder poured directly through the skimmer.

2. What size DE filter do I need for my pool?

A 48 sq.ft. DE pool filter (Hayward ProGrid W3DE4820) handles pools up to ~40,000 gallons; a 60 sq.ft. filter (Pentair FNS Plus 60) handles up to ~50,000 gallons; and an 80 sq.ft. filter (Pentair Quad DE 80) handles 50,000+ gallons. Always oversize where possible; a larger pool DE filter means longer filtration cycles and extended grid life.

3. How much DE powder do I add after backwashing?

• 48 sq.ft. Filter: Requires ~4.8 lbs for an initial clean pre-coat, or 3.8 lbs (approx. 4 standard 1 lb DE scoops) after a backwash.

• 60 sq.ft. Filter: Requires ~6 lbs for an initial clean pre-coat, or 4.8 lbs (approx. 5 standard 1 lb DE scoops) after a backwash.

• 80 sq.ft. Filter: Requires ~8 lbs for an initial clean pre-coat, or 6.4 lbs (approx. 6.5 standard 1 lb DE scoops) after a backwash.

Note: Backwashing does not remove 100% of the old powder, so adding the full initial pre-coat amount after a backwash will overload the filter.

4. How often does a DE filter need to be backwashed?

Typically every 1–4 weeks, triggered specifically by a pressure reading 8–10 PSI above your clean starting pressure. Nevada's dusty climate and windstorms may require more frequent backwashing. Pool DE filters also need a full manual teardown and grid rinse once per season, or when backwashing no longer restores normal baseline operating pressure.

5. What is the difference between the Hayward ProGrid and Pentair FNS Plus?

Both are high-performance vertical grid DE pool filters rated for excellent clarity and compatible with high-demand pool equipment. The Hayward ProGrid (W3DE4820) features a 48 sq.ft. capacity and a heavy-duty one-piece flange clamp for easy access, and it is available for direct online ordering. The Pentair FNS Plus 60 provides a larger 60 sq.ft. capacity in a commercial-grade fiberglass tank and is stocked as an in-store exclusive at our Henderson location.

6. What happens if DE powder gets into my pool?

White, cloudy water or fine white powder settling on the pool floor immediately after recharging usually indicates a torn fabric grid or a cracked internal manifold. When grids tear, the filter can no longer trap debris effectively. Replacement grid assemblies for the Hayward ProGrid (DEX4820DC) and Pentair filters are available in our Filter Parts category.

7. Does Fresh Pool Supply carry DE powder and replacement grids?

Yes. Diatomaceous earth pool filter media is stocked in our DE Filter Media category. Replacement grids, top manifolds, standpipes, and tank O-rings for Hayward and Pentair models are available in our Filter Parts category. Visit our Henderson, NV storefront at 2550 E Windmill Lane for free repair services and expert parts matching.