STARTING UP YOUR SAND FILTER SYSTEM

Proper installation of your sand filter system will ensure trouble-free operation and maintenance throughout the pool season.

START-UP STEPS:

  1. Assemble the filter base, attach the pump and motor assembly, and place the filter tank in the base
  2. Place standpipe and laterals inside filter tank and attach laterals to standpipe; if laterals are already attached, be sure they are in the fully down position
  3. Fill the tank at least halfway with water
  4. Be sure to center and cover the top of the standpipe; for example, you could use a plastic bag and a rubber band
  5. Using new sand, pour the required amount of sand around the standpipe and lateral assembly; be sure to keep the standpipe centered during this process. (See manufacturer’s requirements for the correct quantity and type of sand)
  6. Place the dial valve head on the filter tank and secure it with the dial valve clamp
  7. Connect the high-pressure hose from the pump output fitting to the dial valve head input fitting
  8. Connect the hose from the bottom of the skimmer to the pump assembly input fitting on the front of the strainer housing
  9. Connect the hose from the output fitting on the dial valve head to the return fitting on the pool
  10. Be sure to replace the strainer basket in the strainer housing
  11. Lubricate the strainer cover o-ring (using water-based or silicone-based lubricant only!)
  12. Fill the strainer housing with water and seat the strainer cover onto the strainer housing
  13. Move the dial valve from the winter setting to the rinse position and start the filter system
  14. Fill the pool until the water level is ¾ of the way up the skimmer opening
  15. Connect the backwash hose to the waste output fitting
  16. Run the filter for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute to clear any fine sand particles from the lines of the filter system
  17. Turn off the filter system
  18. Move the dial valve setting from rinse setting to filter setting
  19. Turn the filter system on and document the pressure gauge reading
  20. Check the system for any leaks and correct as necessary

Congratulations! You have successfully started up your sand filter system. You may now begin your normal filtering schedule. It is recommended that the filter be run a minimum of 10 hours a day. For 27′ through 33′ pools, the filter should run at least 12 hours per day.

BACKWASHING A SAND FILTER SYSTEM

Cleaning the filter flushes out dirt caught in the filter. Cleaning should be performed when the pressure on the filter increases 5-10 PSI above its normal reading. Normal reading is defined as the beginning pressure when the filter is first started after cleaning or when first hooking the filter up.

CLEANING STEPS:

  1. Turn off the filter system
  2. Connect the backwash hose to the waste output fitting
  3. Move dial valve setting from filter to backwash
  4. Turn the filter system on
  5. Run filter until sight glass clears up - this could take between 1 – 5 minutes
  6. Turn off the filter system
  7. Move dial valve setting from backwash to rinse
  8. Turn the filter system on
  9. Rinse for approximately 1 minute to remove any sand from the lines
  10. Turn off the filter system
  11. Move the dial valve setting from rinse to filter
  12. Disconnect the backwash hose from the waste output fitting
  13. Turn on the filter system and document the pressure gauge reading to determine the next cleaning time

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your sand filter system. You may now return to your normal filtering schedule.

WINTERIZING AND STORING YOUR SAND FILTER

It is very important that you properly store your filter system for the winter to avoid any damage that could be caused by the freezing temperatures.

AFTER DRAINING YOUR POOL FOR THE WINTER:

  1. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the filter tank and allow all water to drain from the system
  2. Disconnect the input and output hoses from the system
  3. Disconnect the high-pressure hose that connects the pump to the dial valve head
  4. Move the dial valve setting to the winter setting for storage
  5. Remove the dial valve head clamp
  6. Remove the dial valve head from the filter tank
  7. Empty the sand from the filter tank and dispose of the used sand
  8. Remove and inspect the standpipe and lateral assembly to ensure proper functionality
  9. Using your garden hose, spray out the inside of the filter tank to remove all remaining sand
  10. Remove the strainer cover from the pump assembly and clean the strainer basket
  11. Be sure to clear any debris and remove all water from the pump and strainer, as well as the filter tank
  12. Wipe away any existing lubricants from the dial valve head o-ring and strainer cover o-ring
  13. Store dial valve head as well as pump and motor assembly in a climate-controlled environment for winter. You may store the tank and standpipe/lateral assembly in a shed or garage for winter. DO NOT LEAVE THE FILTER SYSTEM OUTSIDE!