The media (filtration fabric) used to construct a D.E. Grid must be strong, but also allow for the consistent flow of water. By using a technologically advanced fabric, the life of the grid is prolonged, water is cleaned more efficiently, and energy consumption is reduced. The media purchased by Pleatco is made in the United States using woven polypropylene which contains only virgin resins to assure the highest strength and to maximize filtration.

How is Pleatco’s fabric different? The material goes through a special process called Fibrillation. By fibrillating the fabric into a pattern resembling fishnet stockings and then elongating and tempering it into yarn, a pattern is created to allow for more consistent water flow and also increase the fabric’s strength to prevent it from separating under pressure. In fact, you could say Pleatco fabric has a “Higher Resolution” as the weave of our fabric has 1008 (42x42) cross-over-points vs. inferior fabrics with 760 (38x20) cross-over-points.

Having a properly designed frame is important for two reasons: (1) to ensure the proper flow of water thereby utilizing the entire grid efficiently; and (2) to provide strong structural support for the filtration fabric.

Pleatco’s frame incorporates a center tube which creates a duct to funnel water from the outer most edges of the grid into the center and through the entire frame. Some manufacturers have opted for a design which is less expensive to manufacture without concern for proper water flow. In fact, these other designs  force water to navigate a full series of 90 degree turns robbing the filtration system of water flow. These less efficient designs also create more pressure on the frame’s center thereby increasing the potential failure of the fabric. The Pleatco design minimizes the amount of tension placed on the fabric giving it a longer life and requiring less energy to filter water.

Lastly, larger grid frames are built in sections. Often these sections are not put together very well and may crack. The Pleatco unique design increases the bond (snap together feature) between the different sections. Pleatco’s “snap feature” keeps the sections from coming apart during filtration when significant torsion is created while water is in motion.

By far, thread is the least expensive of all the materials needed to make a grid. The difference in cost between the cheapest thread and the highest quality four ply chemical resistant thread is a mere few pennies for each grid. At Pleatco, we use the best. If you have a great frame and the finest media, but the sewing is inferior or the thread fails, the grid will fail.