Backwash your DE filter when pressure rises 8–10 psi, not on a schedule

Don’t backwash on a fixed schedule—go by the pressure gauge.

Most DE filters are clean at 10–15 psi. Once the gauge climbs 8–10 psi above that (say, to 20–25 psi), it’s time. If you backwash by the calendar, you’re either wasting DE and water or letting the filter get clogged and strain the pump.

The filter traps dirt until the pressure