Hayward ProGrid 60 Sq Ft Vertical Grid D.E. Pool Filter
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Hayward ProGrid W3DE6020 60 Sq Ft Vertical Grid D.E. Pool Filter
The Hayward ProGrid W3DE6020 is a 60 sq ft vertical grid diatomaceous earth pool filter for residential in-ground pools. Diatomaceous earth filtration captures particles down to 5 microns, finer than both cartridge and sand filtration, producing the highest level of water clarity available in residential pool equipment.
The ProGrid's vertical grid design distributes the D.E. cake evenly across all grid surfaces. Seven full grids and one partial grid (each 30" in length) provide the 60 sq ft of total filter area. The one-piece flange clamp allows quick access to the grid assembly without disturbing plumbing connections. A 68.125" minimum vertical clearance is required at the equipment pad for grid removal during service.
Hayward W3DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Filter Key Features
- 5-micron filtration - Captures finer particles than both cartridge (10-15 microns) and sand (20-40 microns) filtration, producing visibly clearer water under equivalent circulation conditions.
- 60 sq ft vertical grid design - Seven full grids and one partial grid oriented vertically for even D.E. cake distribution across all filter elements.
- 120 GPM flow rate - Full-flow 2" internal plumbing and inlet diffuser elbow minimize head loss and distribute unfiltered water evenly across the grid assembly.
- One-piece flange clamp - Secures the tank top and bottom; provides quick access to the grid nest without disturbing plumbing connections.
- Glass-reinforced co-polymer tank - Durable construction suited for continuous outdoor exposure, pool chemical contact, and in-floor cleaning systems.
- Manual air relief valve - Quarter-turn lever purges trapped air from the tank after startup or servicing.
- 1.5" drain - Full-flow drain for complete tank drainage during grid cleaning and winterization.
- Self-aligned tank top and bottom - Makes access to the grid nest fast and simple during seasonal cleaning.
How D.E. Filtration Works in the Hayward ProGrid W3DE6020
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, mined material composed of fossilized diatom shells with an extremely porous silica structure. When pool-grade D.E. powder is added through the skimmer with the pump running, it coats the fabric-covered grid elements inside the tank. Pool water passing through this D.E. cake is filtered to 5 microns on the first pass.
As the cake loads with debris, operating pressure rises. The filter is serviced by backwashing through a compatible valve, which clears the spent D.E., followed by a fresh 7.5 lb D.E. charge to recoat the grids. Pool-grade D.E. must be used; food-grade and pest-control D.E. products are not appropriate for pool filtration.
Hayward W3DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Filter Specifications
Add 12" to tank height for a 1.5" multiport valve, 14" for a 2" multiport valve, or 7" for a 2" slide valve when calculating total installation height.
ProGrid D.E. Filter Lineup: W3DE6020 in Context
The W3DE6020 is the 60 sq ft model and the largest in the ProGrid vertical grid D.E. filter line. For smaller pools, see the 36 sq ft W3DE3620 or the 48 sq ft W3DE4820.
| Model | Filter Area | Flow Rate | D.E. Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| W3DE3620 | 36 sq ft | 90 GPM | 7.5 lbs |
| W3DE4820 | 48 sq ft | 96 GPM | 6 lbs |
| W3DE6020 (this model) | 60 sq ft | 120 GPM | 7.5 lbs |
Flow rates and D.E. charge weights per Hayward published specifications. Pool size coverage depends on pump sizing, turnover rate targets, and site conditions.
Maintaining the Hayward W3DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Filter
When operating pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI above the recorded clean baseline, the filter needs servicing. Backwash through a compatible valve until the sight glass or discharge runs clear, then add a fresh 7.5 lb D.E. charge through the skimmer with the pump running. Always pre-slurry the D.E. powder in a bucket of water before adding it to the skimmer to minimize airborne dust and improve even grid coating.
Once or twice per season, a full grid cleaning is required. Drain the tank, remove the grid assembly, and clean each grid panel individually. A diluted muriatic acid soak dissolves mineral scale; rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Inspect each grid for tears or delamination that would allow D.E. powder to bypass the fabric into the pool. Backwash before removing the top lid to discharge spent D.E. powder before disassembly.
Winterizing the W3DE6020 ProGrid
Backwash fully before shutdown, then disassemble the tank and clean the grid assembly. Store the cleaned, dried grid assembly indoors to protect the fabric from freeze-thaw cycles. Drain the tank body completely using the 1.5" drain and leave the drain open through the winter. Blow out the backwash valve with compressed air in freeze climates to prevent cracking from water freezing inside the valve body.
D.E. vs. Sand vs. Cartridge: Where the Hayward ProGrid W3DE6020 Fits
D.E. filtration delivers the finest particle capture of any residential pool filter type. The tradeoff is media management: D.E. powder must be added after each backwash, grids require periodic acid washing, and spent D.E. must be disposed of in compliance with local regulations (discharge to storm drains is restricted in some jurisdictions). Pool owners who choose D.E. do so because the water clarity it produces is worth those additional steps.
| Filter Type | Filtration | Backwash | Media |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 20-40 microns | Yes, valve and drain line | Replace every 5-7 years |
| Cartridge | 10-15 microns | No, hose rinse only | Replace every 1-3 seasons |
| D.E. (ProGrid) | 5 microns | Yes, plus D.E. recharge | Add after each backwash |
Hayward W3DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Filter Frequently Asked Questions
Does the W3DE6020 come with a backwash valve?
No. The W3DE6020 ships with the tank body, one-piece flange clamp, air relief valve, and threaded bulkheads only. A backwash valve is sold separately. Compatible options include the SP0740DE (Selecta-Flo 2" SKT), SP0710XR50 (Vari-Flo 1.5" NPT), SP0715XR50 (Vari-Flo 2" NPT), and SP0410X5025 (Slide Valve 2" SKT).
How much D.E. powder does the W3DE6020 need, and how often?
The W3DE6020 requires 7.5 lbs of pool-grade D.E. powder for the initial charge and after each backwash cycle. Always pre-mix the D.E. into a slurry with water in a bucket before adding it slowly through the skimmer with the pump running. Never add D.E. with the pump off; the powder will settle to the tank bottom rather than coating the grids.
What does it mean if D.E. powder appears in the pool?
D.E. appearing in the pool as a white or gray cloud or fine dust on the pool floor indicates a torn or damaged grid allowing powder to bypass the fabric. Turn off the pump immediately, disassemble the tank, and inspect each grid panel. A damaged grid must be replaced before adding fresh D.E. and returning the filter to service.
Can the W3DE6020 use Perlite instead of D.E. powder?
Yes. Perlite is compatible with the ProGrid's vertical grid design and is used by some pool owners in areas where D.E. disposal is regulated or where the handling of silica-based media is a concern. Dosing amounts and backwash procedures may differ from D.E. Follow the Perlite product manufacturer's guidelines for the correct amount per square foot of filter area.
How often does the W3DE6020 need a full grid cleaning?
Once or twice per season is typical for residential installations, usually at pool opening and at the midpoint of heavy use. Routine backwashing handles bulk debris load, but scale, oils, and fine organics that backwashing cannot remove accumulate in the grid fabric over time. A diluted muriatic acid soak of the grid assembly during seasonal cleaning dissolves mineral deposits and restores filtration efficiency.
What vertical clearance is needed to service the W3DE6020?
A minimum of 68.125" of vertical clearance above the filter is required to remove the grid assembly. When planning equipment pad placement, also account for the height of the backwash valve above the tank: add 12" for a 1.5" multiport valve, 14" for a 2" multiport valve, or 7" for a 2" slide valve.