Perlite 4212 Filter Powder D.E. Alternative for Swimming Pools, 12-Pound

Great product for my pool filter

Why did you pick this product vs others?: My pool technician turned me on to AquaPerl because they said it is safer than DE. Breathing pool-grade DE, especially chronically as you would if you work with pools a lot, is suspected of causing lung cancer. Even if you’re not the pool technician, you have to consider that this material winds up in your yard when you backwash or clean the pool filter, and especially if you have pets or children who play in the dirt, you might not want to contaminate your property and the environment with a fine powder that is dangerous to breathe. Perlite is safer than DE, and seems to work equally well.

I have used diatomaceous earth for 45 years. I read about the risk of silicosis from DE air borne powder so I decided to switch. I tried a fiber material but I prefer this pearlite product. It is just like DE and easy to use. I have been using it for a couple of years and feel it works as well or better. I also don’t have to be concerned with disposing of it.

I use this instead of DE. Much lighter and does a great job in keeping pool water clear!

(+): Perlite filters great in my 15K gallon pool with the ability to easily rinse and wash away during a backwash or filter tear down. It’s also lighter in weight, which makes tear down a bit easier too. I notice that my pool seems to stay more clear and the time between filter cleanings as decreased by 10-20%. Flow rate (more water flow) is also much better, with 25% increase across all pump speeds. This is especially noticeable in the jacuzzi with the force of the jets. (-): No matter what I do, the Perlite always flows into the pool when adding through the skimmer. Also, it seems to quickly cloud the water a bit upon initial recharge, but clears up within a couple hours. With DE, I’ve never had this problem. I do occasionally get the “white balls” on my glass tiles, but either I wipe them off or they dissolve with 7-10 days.