CleariCel™ offers a revolutionary replacement for DE: a cellulose-based, plant-derived filtration media that matches or beats the performance of DE without the risks.
Diatomaceous Earth has been a staple in pool filtration for decades, but it comes with serious risks.
DE contains crystalline silica, a known carcinogen. Handling DE requires protective gear, careful disposal, and even then, poses health and environmental hazards.
For customers that prioritize safety, sustainability, and long-term cost-efficiency, it’s clear that DE is no longer the ideal solution.
That’s why more and more pool owners are making the switch to cellulose-based alternatives like CleariCel™, a smarter, safer, and more sustainable option.
From a health standpoint, the most alarming issue is that DE contains crystalline silica, a substance recognized by OSHA and other agencies as a known carcinogen. Prolonged inhalation of DE dust can lead to silicosis, a progressive and potentially fatal lung disease. For employees handling DE, this means the need for strict protective gear, ventilation systems, and constant monitoring to ensure workplace safety, adding both cost and risk to daily operations
Health
Environmentally, DE is non-renewable and is harvested through large-scale mining operations that disturb natural habitats and consume significant energy. Unlike sustainable options, DE cannot be replenished, and it does not break down naturally in the environment. Disposal becomes an additional concern: waste DE may be classified as non-hazardous industrial waste, but it often still requires specialized containment and disposal protocols. This drives up both operational overhead and compliance requirements.
Environment
In terms of system performance, DE’s abrasive nature can wear down filter components over time, leading to higher equipment maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, DE filters tend to clog more quickly and require frequent backwashing, reducing overall system efficiency and increasing downtime.