FAQs — Filter Boost

Question 1

What is Filter Boost made of?

Accepted Answer

Filter Boost is made from 100% natural cellulose fiber — the same material found in plant cell walls. It contains no crystalline silica, no synthetic chemicals, and no harmful additives. It is fully biodegradable.

Question 2

How does Filter Boost compare to Diatomaceous Earth?

Accepted Answer

Filter Boost outperforms DE in several key areas: it filters at 2–3 microns (vs. 3–5 for DE), it contains no silica dust (making it safer to handle), it works with three filter types instead of one, and it is biodegradable. The application process is nearly identical to DE.

Question 3

What micron level does Filter Boost filter to?

Accepted Answer

Filter Boost captures particles down to 2–3 microns. For reference, a human hair is approximately 70 microns wide. This level of filtration removes fine debris, algae spores, and many bacteria that standard sand filtration misses.

Question 4

Is Filter Boost safe to handle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike Diatomaceous Earth, Filter Boost contains no crystalline silica — the component responsible for respiratory hazards in DE. No mask, gloves, or protective equipment is required when handling Filter Boost.

Question 5

Which filter types work with Filter Boost?

Accepted Answer

Filter Boost is compatible with all three major pool filter types: DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters, sand filters, and cartridge filters. It is the only cellulose filtration media designed to work across all three systems.

Question 6

Can I use Filter Boost in a saltwater pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Filter Boost is fully compatible with saltwater pools, chlorine pools, and mineral pool systems. The cellulose media is chemically stable and will not react with salt or standard pool sanitizers.

Question 7

Will Filter Boost work with my existing filter equipment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Filter Boost is designed to work with standard residential and commercial pool filter equipment. No modifications to your filter system are required.

Question 8

Can I mix Filter Boost with Diatomaceous Earth?

Accepted Answer

No — do not mix D.E. and Filter Boost. Before switching, open and thoroughly clean the filter can, grids, or cartridges of all old D.E. media, dirt, and oils. Dirty or clogged grids will interfere with proper water circulation and shorten filter cycles.

Question 9

Are clarifiers or flocculants compatible with Filter Boost?

Accepted Answer

Phosphates and most algae removers are compatible with Filter Boost. However, synthetic polymer clarifiers (often blue-colored and labeled 'Clarifier') are not recommended — they were designed for cartridge and sand filters and can prematurely load the filter media, reducing water flow below acceptable minimums. Natural polymeric flocculants such as 'Sea-Klear' may be used safely.

Question 10

How much Filter Boost do I use?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your filter type. For D.E. filters: 1 lb of Filter Boost replaces 8 lbs of D.E. — use the dosage chart on the How It Works page. For sand filters: use the amount that produces a 1–2 psi increase on your pressure gauge (see the diameter-based table). For cartridge filters: use the amount based on your cartridge's square foot rating. Always add through the skimmer with the pump running.

Question 11

Why does my pressure gauge rise after adding Filter Boost?

Accepted Answer

A 1–2 psi increase is completely normal and expected. Filter Boost filters at 2 microns — much finer than sand or D.E. — so it captures smaller particles and loads faster initially. After 1 or 2 backwash cycles, filter cycles will return to normal length. The result is visibly clearer, more sparkling water.

Question 12

What causes short cycling (rapid pressure rise)?

Accepted Answer

Short cycling means the filter media is collecting impurities faster than expected. Common causes include: algae bloom in the filter bed (add liquid chlorine through the skimmer to kill it, then backwash and recharge), high calcium hardness above 600 ppm (dilute pool water to 200–400 ppm), oil contamination from heavy bather loads (treat with oil-ingesting enzymes), or an undersized filter for the pool volume. Short cycling means the filter is doing exactly what it is supposed to do — it is collecting what was previously passing through.

Question 13

How often do I need to reapply Filter Boost?

Accepted Answer

Reapply Filter Boost after each backwash or filter cleaning cycle. The cellulose media is removed during backwashing along with the trapped debris, so a fresh dose restores the fine filtration layer.

Question 14

How do I add Filter Boost to my filter?

Accepted Answer

Pour Filter Boost evenly through the skimmer with the pump running — no pre-mixing with water is necessary. Important: always make sure the filter pump is running and remove any sanitizing tablets or sticks from the skimmer or in-line feeder before adding Filter Boost or any other chemical through the skimmer.

Question 15

Will Filter Boost affect my pool chemistry?

Accepted Answer

No. Filter Boost is chemically inert and will not affect your pool's pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels, or other chemical parameters. Continue your normal chemical maintenance routine as usual.

Question 16

Is Filter Boost environmentally friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Filter Boost is made from natural cellulose fiber derived from virgin wood pulp — the same material used in food processing and pharmaceutical industries. It is fully biodegradable, will not clog drains or sewers, and can be composted or disposed of in regular household waste.

Question 17

Is Filter Boost safe for children and pets?

Accepted Answer

Filter Boost is non-toxic and contains no hazardous materials. It is FDA-approved material that has been used in food processing for human ingestion for many years, attesting to its non-toxicity. No mask, gloves, or protective equipment is required when handling it.

Question 18

How should I handle algae if it gets into the filter?

Accepted Answer

Because Filter Boost filters at 2 microns, it can trap algae spores in the filter bed before they become visible in the pool. If you notice a rapid pressure increase during algae season, add liquid chlorine directly through the skimmer (with the pump running) to perform an 'algae kill' in the filter. A dramatic pressure drop should follow. Then backwash and recharge with fresh Filter Boost. As a preventive measure, add liquid chlorine through the skimmer during your regular service visits.

Question 19

Can high calcium hardness affect Filter Boost performance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Calcium hardness above 600 ppm can cause a calcium 'shell' to form over the filter media, causing rapid pressure increases and incomplete backwashing. Unlike D.E. (where calcium bonds to the filter bed and hardens to the point it cannot be backwashed), cellulose fiber will not bond with calcium or the grids. Adding a 20% Muriatic Acid solution through the skimmer while the pump is running will dissolve the calcium and allow normal backwashing. Maintaining 20 ppm of Phosphonic Acid residual helps keep calcium in solution. Ideally, keep calcium hardness between 200–400 ppm. Note: the most cost-effective way to correct high calcium levels is dilution — draining and replacing a portion of the pool water costs less than $60 for 20,000 gallons.

Question 20

Can oil contamination cause short cycling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, particularly in heavily used commercial pools, spas, health clubs, resorts, and hotels where body oils and suntan oils are excessive. Oil can cause Filter Boost to load up quickly and short cycle. Unlike D.E. (which tends to sink and allow oils to escape back to the pool), Filter Boost creates a uniform cake over the entire filter grid surface and actually absorbs oils — collecting them in the filter bed where they belong. If oils are a persistent problem, treat the pool with oil-ingesting enzymes or oil-absorbent products such as 'De-Skum', 'Natural Chemistry', or 'Spa Block'. This is generally not a problem in residential pools due to lower swimmer loads.

Question 21

What if my filter is still short cycling after troubleshooting?

Accepted Answer

If short cycling persists after addressing algae, calcium, and oil issues, the most likely cause is an undersized filter for the pool volume or bather load. The only complete cure is to replace or modify the inadequate equipment. Remember: short cycling means the filter is doing exactly what it is supposed to do — it is collecting impurities that previously passed through your filter undetected. The result is clearer, more sparkling water.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Product

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Usage & Dosing

Safety & Environment