Preparing to Add D.E.

• 1). Backwash your pool filter, which flushes all of the particles that have been caught. Rinse the old D.E. out of your swimming pool filter.
  
  
• 2). Check the label on your filter or your owner's manual to determine the amount of D.E. needed to fill the filter. Subtract about a cup of D.E. from this amount to leave room for residual D.E. left in the tank after backflushing.
  
  
• 3
  Wear a dust mask when adding D.E. to keep the particles from entering your lungs.Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Put on a dust mask over your face to protect your lungs. Pull on a pair of latex gloves to protect your skin from the D.E. particles.
  
  

Adding D.E.

• 1
  Use an empty 1-pound coffee can or other container to measure the D.E.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Add the D.E. on top of the water in the swimming pool skimmer that is closest to the filter. Scoop about one pound at a time and sprinkle on the water, being sure to keep the container as close to the water as possible to keep the D.E. from blowing around in the breeze.
  
  
• 2). Add the next scoop after the water in the skimmer is clear of D.E.
  
  
• 3). Continue adding D.E. until all of the required D.E. has been added to the skimmer.