Aqua Perl
3.2
5
12
12
It Works -- But Takes Some Effort
There are several negative reviews all because of problems with grids clogging after using this DE replacement. Whenever you switch filter media types, the filter must be thoroughly cleaned of the old media. This requires backwashing, disassembly and rinsing the grids, soaking the grids in detergent (I use automatic dishwasher detergent with a little TSP added) and water, and removing all water and old media from the filter housing. If there are calcium deposits on the grids and/or housing, they should be sprayed with 5:1 water:muriatic acid after washing and rinsing followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. You will be shocked at what comes off the grids when they are soaked in water/detergent. Make sure you rinse everything before reassembly.
If you thoroughly clean the filter and remove all the old filter media, you will not have problems with the grids clogging.
June 7, 2012
Good stuff!
As A Pool & Spa service professional for over 15 years field experience. Aqua Perl is all we USE!. When properly used & proper amount is added it works well,Most pool owners do not properly backwash or use undersized or too long of a backwash hose and hence do not fully flush the grids causing a build up over time,and Any hole,crack (no matter what size) or multiport valve malfunction will cause D.E to migrate back too the pool.& If your filter valve (multiport) or Backwash valve works or turns hard then,or seeps water,then FIX IT! IT WILL CAUSE YOU backwash & D.E problems...Don't Blame the D.E or system 9 times out of 10 it IS the operator!!! Green pools? shock it, add lots of chlorine, leave the filter in recirc until water turns color green to greyish then a couple of days later put filter in filter mode ,backwash as needed, after pool clears enough and dead algae settles to bottom vacuum pool out to waste,NOT THRU THE FILTER ! after pool is vacuumed put it back in filter mode balance chems good to go! Works everytime,we use a gas powered trash pump,but you can use the waste option on the valve..Aqua-Perl is Great Stuff and I know Several pool companys along with me and ALL THEY USE is Aqua perl also!
April 16, 2012
Not for Fiberglass!!
I found this product very frustrating. In proper doses for a 3.7 StaRite System 3 filter, it does not filter its own perlite out of the water. the small white spheres stick to the fiberglass in-ground pool sides, and clog the polaris strainer as they continue to pass through the filter (note all brand new filter pads). I do catch more of them if I double the recommended amount, but many still get through. I am switching back to DE.
July 10, 2011
Doesn't work -- gummed up my filter
I bought a bag of this stuff last year, despite many reviews saying that it would clog up their filters (among other complaints). Next time I will pay attention. This stuff did nothing at all for me last year except constantly clog up my filter. When the filter was on, I had to backwash it every 15-20 minutes or it would overpressure and stop working.
I would strongly recommend against buying this DE replacement. It's back to good ol' DE for me this year.
April 11, 2011