Backwashing a DE filter clears loose debris but leaves embedded grease and oil locked into the grid fabric. Twice a year — ideally at closing and opening — a full grid cleaning restores the filter to like-new performance and extends grid life from 5 years to 8+. This tutorial walks through a complete Hayward DE filter grid clean.
When to do a full grid clean
- Twice a year — spring and fall (closing and opening).
- If filter pressure won’t drop to baseline after a backwash + recharge.
- If the pool stays cloudy even with proper chemistry.
- After any heavy-bather-load event that loaded the grids with sunscreen and body oil.
What you’ll need
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- A 5-gallon bucket and a 32-gallon trash can (for the soak)
- TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a commercial filter cleaner
- Optional: muriatic acid for calcium-scaled grids (separate soak)
- A new tank o-ring
- Silicone pool lubricant
- Fresh DE powder (5–8 lb) for the recharge after cleaning
Step-by-step
Open the air-relief. Open the bottom drain plug. Let it fully drain — takes 20–30 minutes.
Most Hayward DE filters use a band clamp held by a single tension bolt. Loosen it, lift the top off carefully, and set it aside.
The grids are arranged radially around a central manifold. Lift the entire assembly straight up, supporting both ends. Set it on a clean tarp.
Spray each grid from top to bottom with a fan-pattern nozzle, getting between the fabric pleats. Loose DE and debris will wash out. Rotate the assembly and rinse all sides. The grids will not be fully clean yet — that’s why we soak next.
Mix 1 cup of TSP into a 32-gallon trash can of warm water. Submerge the entire grid assembly. Soak 8–24 hours. The detergent dissolves embedded grease and sunscreen.
Lift the assembly out and hose-rinse until all soap is gone. Look at the grid fabric — it should be visibly white/clean. If you see brown or yellow stains, do a second TSP soak.
If you have hard water and see white crusty deposits on the grid fabric or end caps, do a SEPARATE acid soak after rinsing the TSP. Mix 1 part muriatic acid to 20 parts water in a plastic bucket. Soak 5–10 minutes only. Rinse thoroughly. Never mix TSP and acid in the same bath.
Look for tears, separated seams, or end caps pulled away from the fabric. Hold each grid up to light — you should see uniform fabric with no holes. Damaged grids must be replaced individually before reassembly.
Drop the grid assembly back into the lower housing, replace the tank o-ring (always replace), lubricate, reinstall the top, and tighten the band clamp.
Start the pump with the multiport on FILTER. Slowly add DE slurry through the skimmer until pressure returns to clean baseline. Usually 5–8 lb for residential filters.
Hayward DE filter parts in stock
Hayward 22″ Retainer Rod
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Hayward DE Filter Retaining Nut
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Hayward DE Filter Washer
Shop NowNeed replacement DE grids matched to your specific filter? Send PST Pool Supplies the model number from the filter housing and we’ll match the right grid set.