Instructions
How to Use Filter Boost
Filter Boost works with sand, D.E., and cartridge filters. Follow the instructions below — or download the full label for a quick reference.
Watch the Tutorial
See It in Action
Sand Filter — How Much to Use
Add Filter Boost directly into the skimmer to create a top coat over your sand. Add only enough to produce a 1–2 psi increase on your pressure gauge. Use the table below as a rule of thumb based on your filter diameter.
| Filter Diameter | Ounces (by volume) | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | 8 oz | .075 lbs |
| 18" | 12 oz | .11 lbs |
| 24" | 16 oz | .14 lbs |
| 36" | 32 oz | .28 lbs |
| 48" | 64 oz | .56 lbs |
| 84" | 96 oz | .85 lbs |
With the pump running, slowly add Filter Boost directly into the skimmer, or premix with a slurry of water then pour into skimmer.
Add only enough to produce a 1–2 psi increase on your pressure gauge.
Expect faster pressure increases as Filter Boost captures particles that pass through sand. Simply backwash and recharge.
Continue cycling until all pool water has passed through the filter (typically 5-8 hours).
Backwash when pressure reaches approximately 10 psi above the clean baseline. Recharge with Filter Boost after each backwash.
Water clarity will improve dramatically — Filter Boost polishes sand filtration from 30 microns down to 2 microns.
D.E. Filter — Replacing Diatomaceous Earth
Filter Boost is a complete drop-in replacement for D.E. — your filter needs no modifications. Because cellulose fiber is much lighter than D.E., you use significantly less by weight. Just add it through the skimmer with the pump running; no slurry or pre-mixing is needed.
Clean the filter completely — remove the tank lid and wash the grids or cartridges until all old D.E., scale, and oils are gone. Check each element for tears or worn seals before reassembling.
With the pump running, pour the correct amount of Filter Boost (see chart below) directly into the skimmer. It will distribute evenly across the filter grids as water flows through.
When the pressure gauge reads about 10 psi above your clean starting pressure, it's time to backwash. Follow your filter manufacturer's backwash procedure, then recharge with a fresh dose of Filter Boost.
D.E. to Filter Boost Conversion Chart
| D.E. Used (lbs) | Filter Area (sq. ft.) | Filter Boost Amount (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 lbs D.E. → 24 sq. ft. | — | .6 lbs Filter Boost |
| 3.6 lbs D.E. → 36 sq. ft. | — | .9 lb Filter Boost |
| 4.8 lbs D.E. → 48 sq. ft. | — | 1.2 lbs Filter Boost |
| 6.0 lbs D.E. → 60 sq. ft. | — | 1.5 lbs Filter Boost |
| 7.2 lbs D.E. → 72 sq. ft. | — | 1.8 lbs Filter Boost |
| 8.4 lbs D.E. → 84 sq. ft. | — | 2.1 lbs Filter Boost |
| 9.6 lbs D.E. → 96 sq. ft. | — | 2.4 lbs Filter Boost |
Practical Tips
Do not mix D.E. and Filter Boost — always start with a clean, fully backwashed filter.
On first use, expect faster pressure rises as Filter Boost captures finer particles that previously passed through. Cycles return to normal after 1 or 2 backwashes.
Pour evenly through the skimmer while the pump is running. No pre-mixing required.
1 lb of D.E. is required to cover 10 sq. ft. of filter area — use the chart above to find your equivalent Filter Boost amount.
Cartridge Filter — How Much to Use
Add Filter Boost directly into the skimmer to create a precoat on your cartridge. Filter Boost acts as a coating for the cartridge, prolonging filter life and polishing water from 10–20 microns down to 2 microns.
| Filter Area (sq. ft.) | Filter Boost Amount (pounds) |
|---|---|
| 25 sq. ft. | .075 lbs |
| 50 sq. ft. | .15 lbs |
| 75 sq. ft. | .225 lbs |
| 100 sq. ft. | .30 lbs |
| 125 sq. ft. | .375 lbs |
| 150 sq. ft. | .45 lbs |
| 175 sq. ft. | .525 lbs |
| 200 sq. ft. | .6 lbs |
With the pump running, slowly add Filter Boost directly into the skimmer — no pre-mixing required.
Use the table above based on the square foot rating of your cartridge filter.
Expect faster pressure increases as Filter Boost captures finer particles. This is temporary.
Once all pool water has cycled through, water clarity will be dramatically improved.
To clean, gently rinse the cartridge with a hose. Avoid high-pressure nozzles — they can damage the cartridge.
Pro Tips
No protective gear needed
Unlike D.E., Filter Boost contains no crystalline silica. It is an FDA-approved material used in food processing for human ingestion — handle it freely without a mask or gloves.
Skimmer safety — remove tablets first
Always remove sanitizing tablets or sticks from the skimmer or in-line feeder before adding Filter Boost or any chemical through the skimmer. The pump must be running when you add Filter Boost.
Algae season tip
During algae season, add liquid chlorine directly through the skimmer (with the pump running) rather than into the pool. This allows Filter Boost to trap algae spores in the filter bed before they become visible. As a preventive measure, add liquid chlorine through the skimmer on every regular service visit.
Avoid synthetic clarifiers
Synthetic polymer clarifiers (blue-colored, labeled 'Clarifier') are not recommended — they can prematurely load the filter and reduce water flow below acceptable minimums. Natural polymeric flocculants such as 'Sea-Klear' may be used safely.
Oil contamination in commercial pools
In heavily used pools and spas, body oils can cause short cycling. Treat with oil-ingesting enzymes or oil-absorbent products such as 'De-Skum' or 'Natural Chemistry'. Filter Boost actually absorbs oils into the filter bed — more frequent backwashing may be needed initially as old oils are removed.
Eco-friendly disposal
Spent Filter Boost is fully biodegradable — made from virgin wood pulp, the same material used in food processing. It will not clog drains or sewers and can be composted or disposed of in regular waste.