Diatomaceous Earth for Pools Dangers

Diatomaceous Earth for Pools Dangers: Should You Use it for Your Pool

There are different types of pool filters that you can find on the market today. The three common ones are cartridge, diatomaceous earth (DE), and sand filters.

Many pool owners use the DE filter for their pools because it filters out small material and is compact than the other two. But are there diatomaceous earth for pools dangers?

Let’s find out here but first,

Diatomaceous Earth for Pools Dangers

What is a DE Filter?

By now, you know that diatomaceous earth is written as DE, which is a sedimentary rock that is made of chemically activate, skeletal (or fossilized) remains of microscopic organisms called diatoms. The organisms resemble algae. 

The skeletons are known as silica, and they are mined from streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes. Silica makes up 26% of the earth’s crust.

Other forms of silica include quartz, mica, glass, asbestos, sand, clay, emerald, and feldspar. Some of these forms can make people think DE is dangerous when in the pool.

Why DE Gets A Bad Image

Diatomaceous Earth for Pools Dangers

DE is a mineral that comes with huge void spaces. These spaces are the ones that make it an effective filtration material, but they also make it prone to dust dangers.

A dust mask can address this concern, as does the use of common sense and the right handling. Once DE gets wet, the dust problem is addressed.

You can also clean any spill using water to ensure that there is no dust created around your pool.

City Standards 

Another danger that you should be aware of is the possibility of DE clogging the pipes. That is why many counties and cities don’t allow you to dump it into the sewer system.

Instead, your pool should have a separation tank next to the filter that has a canvas strainer bag. The bag helps to trap the DE. 

The Bottom Line

Diatomaceous earth is an effective filter that can leave your swimming pool clean. It poses some dangers, but you can easily address them by following the things we have recommended above.