VDE filters are efficient and capable of capturing particles down to 3-5 microns; well below what can be seen with the naked eye.  Sand filters can clean to 25-30 microns. The average grain of table salt is 40 microns. DE filtration may be used in municipal potable water treatment and is effective for filtering out giardia and cryptosporidium.

Diatomaceous earth (D.E.) is what does the filtering. D.E., a white powder graded specifically for pool use, is a sedimentary rock composed of chemically inert fossilized skeletal remains of microscopic algae-like organisms called diatoms. Under a microscope, diatoms appear like tiny sponges, thus capturing minute particles of dirt, oil and other impurities. The filter leaves which are enclosed by fabric covers are the receptacle for the powder.  Dissolved D.E. powder is added to an operating filter tank. When it reaches the fine mesh covered leaves, the powder stops, coating the grid. Water passes through the D.E., the cover, and the leaf leaving behind the debris trapped in the D.E. powder. The result is exceptionally clear and clean water.

The heart of our assembly is the patented Mer-Made filter leaf which is manufactured of chemically inert, high impact styrene.  Mer-Made filter leaves are rigid, strong, non-warping, and feature unique corrugated drainage channels. The leaf outlet and gasket assure a leak-proof seal against the matching adapter on the PVC filtered water discharge manifold. The Mer-Made filter leaf cover is made of woven linear polypropylene and is designed to lie completely flat on all points of the filter chamber for uniform pre-coating. All edges are sealed to prevent unraveling and a Velcro closure facilitates easy field replacement.

VDE can be considered a ‘green’ filtration system conserving resources, reducing waste, and saving money.  D.E. systems have a longer filtration cycle when compared to equivalent sand filter systems.  Depending on the use of the pool, a D.E. system may be operational for 30, 60, or 90 days before requiring cleaning.  D.E. filters are not backwashed, thus use very little water compared to backwash cycles on sand filters which use thousands of gallons of water. There are significant long-term savings in energy costs as a VDE system will typically require a pump approximately one-half the horsepower of a comparable sand filter system.

Let Mer-Made Filter design a complete VDE assembly based on your pool’s volume and required turn-over rate or provide a retrofit for an existing filter tank. Mer-Made offers an extensive range of filter leaves from 12 square feet up to 40 square feet.

Mer-Made sells complete VDE assemblies, filter leaves with covers, filter leaves only or covers only. Configurations for leaves include: center bottom outlet, corner outlet, and dual outlet for our 48” x 60” leaf. We offer replacement leaves and covers for some other popular brands and can provide custom covers based on your specifications.