Which is exactly what the pool store manager said when I asked him if the diatomaceous earth we use in our pool filter was safe. Yes, I had a very shocked look on my face. I know the diatomaceous earth we use in our pool filter is not the food grade D.E. that is used to kill insects but with no warnings on the packaging I had assumed it was safe.
So what is the difference between pool and food grade D.E. I had some research to do. I found out that pool grade D.E is chemically treated and partially melted. It contains crystalline silica which is an inhalant hazard and we never wore a mask when we added D.E to the filter.
We purchased an alternative called Fiber Clear which is the 'non-toxic' alternative. It is cheaper, easier to use and is environmentally friendly. It's also harmless to fish. Not a problem that I know of in Arizona but I used to live near Lake Superior so I like that the product won't pollute our streams and lakes.
Am I happy? I am glad I asked the question. I don't just assume now that I am trying to live a greener lifestyle however I have to admit that the answers always seem to shock me. If I were a pool store manager would I want my customers to know that there was a safer product on the market and not wait for them to ask?
Am I satisfied? Not yet. I looked up Fiber Clear on the web and there wasn't a lot of data available so I wrote to the company asking for ingredients, manufacturing details and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product. Being green simply means being more aware!
