Pool Equipment & Cleaning

What Is a Diatomaceous Earth Filter?

A diatomaceous earth filter uses a coating of fine diatomaceous earth powder on internal support elements to capture particles from pool water.

Diatomaceous Earth Filter schematic with components and arrows showing the water path. — Simplified educational schematic. Teal arrows show water direction; shapes and connections vary by model. Not an installation guide.

How It Works

Diatomaceous earth is often abbreviated D.E. The powder coating is the filtering layer; the internal elements support it. Cleaning and recharging requirements depend on the filter model. Follow its manual rather than transferring instructions from a sand filter.

Related terms

Backwashing
Cartridge Filter
Pool Filtration

Learn more

Sand vs cartridge pool filter

Was this helpful?

Inaccurate / tool error Too complex / hard to follow Didn't solve my problem

Thank you for your feedback!