Aqua Guard SandMaster SM16102S User manual

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SandMaster
Filter System
Owner’s Manual
Installation, Operation and Service
Models: SM16102S, SM16102STL
SM19152S, SM19152STL
Notice to Installer
This manual contains important information about the installation, operation and safe use
of this product. Once installation is complete, this manual must be given to the owner/
operator of this equipment.
This equipment must be installed and serviced by a qualied
technician in accordance with all applicable codes and
ordinances. Improper installation can create hazards which could
result in property damage, serious injury or death. Improper
installation will void the warranty.
The NOTICE label indicates special instructions that are
important but not related to hazards.
WARNING

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Safety Information
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains information that is very important to know and understand. This information is provided for SAFETY and to
PREVENT EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. To help recognize this information, observe the following symbols.
WARNING: indicates potentially hazardous situations which, if not avoided, COULD result in death/serious injury.
CAUTION: indicates potentially hazardous situations which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor/moderate injury.
NOTE: indicates information requires special attention.
General Safety Information
1. Sand Filters are designed to work with water at a temperature > than 32º F and < than 113º F. The lter should never be
operated outside of these temperatures or damage may occur.
2. The installation should be carried out in accordance to the safety instructions of swimming pools and the specic instructions
for each facility.
3. The user should make sure that the installation is carried out by qualied authorized persons and that these persons have rst
carefully read the following instructions.
4. The operating safety of the lter is only guaranteed if the installation and operation instructions are correctly followed.
5. To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
6. Incorrectly installed equipment may fail, causing severe injury or property damage.
7. Chemical spills and fumes can weaken Swimming Pool/ Spa. Corrosion can cause lters and other equipment to fail, resulting
in severe injury or property damage. Do not store pool chemicals near your equipment.
8. Any modication of the lter requires the prior consent from the supplier’s original replacement parts and accessories
authorized by the manufacturer ensure a high level of safety. The supplier assumes no liability for the damage and injuries caused
by unauthorized replacement parts and accessories.
9. In the event of defective operation or fault, contact the supplier or it’s nearest authorized service agent.
Table of Contents
Safety Information ............................................................................ 2
SandMaster System Breakdown .................................................. 3
Specications ...................................................................................... 3
Installation ....................................................................................... 4-5
Multi-Port Valve Operation ............................................................ 6
Initial Startup of Filter ...................................................................... 6
Backwashing ....................................................................................... 7
Maintenance ....................................................................................... 7
Trouble Shooting ............................................................................... 8
Winterizing .......................................................................................... 8
SandMaster System Parts Listing .................................................. 9
Warranty ............................................................................................. 10

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AquaGuard | SandMaster
Pressure Gauge
Clear Sight Glass
for backwash inspection
Manual Air Release
PVC Hose Connector
Pump
Multi-Port Valve
with quick-connect & unions
Thermo Plastic
Wound Tank
Hydraulically
Balanced Laterals
to maximize water ow
and ltration
SandMaster Filter System Breakdown
Specifications
Model
Number
Design-Flow
Rate
Maximum
Working Pressure
Filtration
Area
Sand Required
Type Amount
GPM M³/H PSI BAR Ft² m² #20 Pool Filter Sand LBS KG
SM16102S 35 7.9 50 3.5 1.35 0.12
0.45-0.56mm
(0.018-0.022in)
100 45
SM16102STL 35 7.9 50 3.5 1.35 0.12 100 45
SM19152S 40 9 50 3.5 2.10 0.20 200 90
SM19152STL 40 9 50 3.5 2.10 0.20 200 90

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Step 1 Step 2
Step 3
Step 5
Step 4
See full “Assembly Steps”on page 5.

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AquaGuard | SandMaster
Sand Filtration
Incoming water from the piping system is automatically directed by the Multi-Port Valve to the top of the lter bed. As the water
is pumped through the lter sand, dirt and debris are trapped by the lter bed, and ltered out. The ltered water is returned from
the bottom of the lter tank, through the Multi-Port Valve and back through the piping system.
Installation
Preparation Before Installation
1. The lter system should be installed, not more than 6 feet above pool water level, on a concrete slab, very rm ground, or
equivalent, as recommended by your pool dealer. Position the lter so that the piping connections, control valve and winter
drain are convenient and accessible for operation, service, and winterizing.
2. Ensure that the compliance label is facing the front to allow easy identication in the case of service diculties.
3. The following tools will be needed for the installation of your ltration system; screwdriver, wrenches, Pipe sealant will also be
needed for plastic adapters.
Assembly Steps
NOTE: For visual assistance refer to diagram on page 4.
Step 1: Assemble the pump to mounting base.
Step 2: Place lter tank onto mounting base.
Step 3: Fill the lter with lter media.
1. Before lling the lter media into the lter vessel, do a visual check of the laterals. Look for broken or loose laterals.
Replace if necessary. Install laterals, aligning the raised point of the laterals to the raised indicator point on the lateral
holder/hub. Turn 90 deg clockwise. After hearing the locking sound, the lateral is well installed. Please refer to picture
on page 2.
2. Check that the air release hose is xed well on the body of lateral holder, and that the other end of the air release hose is
out of the sand. DO NOT embed the air release hose in sand.
3. To eliminate stress on the laterals, ll the lter vessel with enough water to provide a cushioning eect when the sand is
poured in.
4. The Sand Filter is supplied with a perforated plastic locater, which centers the stem and prevents media from entering
the stem pipe. Place the perforated plastic locater on the center stem of the lter and carefully pour in the lter media
via the perforated holes of the plastic locater. Remove the plastic locater once completed.
NOTE: If a template is not provided or is lost you must center the stem and cover the stem opening to prevent
non-alignment and media entering the stem pipe.
5. Wash all the lter media and debris away from the tank neck of the lter vessel before installing Multi-Port valve.
Step 4: Assemble lter control valve to top of lter tank.
1. Loosely pre-assemble both halves of the clamp with one screw and nut, turning nut 2-3 turns. Do not tighten.
2. Insert lter control valve (with ange clamp and O-Ring in place) onto the tank neck. Make certain that the center pipe
slips into the hole in the bottom of the valve. Install clamp around tank and valve ange and assemble second screw
and nut Tighten just enough so that the valve can be rotated on the tank for nal positioning.
Step 5: Connect pump to control valve opening marked PUMP. After connections are made, tighten valve ange clamp
with screwdriver.
Step 6: Wrap Teon tape on the pressure gauge threads and insert into the tapped hole on the valve body.
Do not over tighten.
Step : Make return to pool pipe connection to control valve opening marked RETURN and complete other necessary
plumbing connections, suction lines to pump, waste, etc.

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Multi-Port Valve Operation
1. Filter - Position for ltering the body of water.
Incoming water from the piping system is automatically
directed by the Multi-Port Valve to the top of the lter
bed. As the water is pumped through the lter sand, dirt
and debris are trapped by the lter bed, and ltered out.
The ltered water is returned from the bottom of the lter
tank, through the Multi-Port Valve and back through the
piping system.
2. Backwash - Position for cleaning the lter media.
Water ow is reversed by the Multi-Port Valve through
the lter bed so that water ow is directed to the bottom
of the tank and up through the lter bed, ushing the
previously trapped dirt and debris out the waste line.
3. Rinse - Position for ushing the lter system.
The water ow is directed by the Multi-Port Valve through
the lter bed and out the waste line. This process settles
the lter media bed into place and ensures any dirt or
debris is rinsed out of the lter, preventing possible return
to the Swimming Pool.
4. Waste - Position for bypassing the lter bed to Waste.
The water ow is directed by the Multi-Port Valve straight
to the backwash outlet, bypassing the entire lter bed.
This Multi-Port Valve position is used lower the water level
or for vacuuming water with high dirt loads.
5. Re-circulate - Position for bypassing the lter bed to
the Swimming Pool.
The Multi-Port valve recirculates water ow directly back
to the Swimming Pool, bypassing the lter.
6. Closed – Position for closing all ow to the lter.
This position is not to be used with the pump operating.
CAUTION: Operation of the Multi-Port Valve or
mode selection is to be always done with the pump
switched o.
Initial Startup of Filter
NOTE: See Pump Owners Manual For Operation
Instructions Before Starting System. To prevent damage
to the pump and lter and for proper operation of the
system, clean pump strainer and skimmer baskets
regularly.
Be sure correct amount of lter sand media is in tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
1. Depress Multi-Port Valve handle and rotate to the
BACKWASH position.
NOTE: To prevent damage to control valve seal, always
depress handle before turning.
2. Switch on the Pump/ Open the Inlet Valve allowing the
lter tank to ll with water.
CAUTION: All suction and discharge valves must be open
when starting the pump. Failure to do so could cause
severe personal injury and/ or property damage.
NOTE: If a pump is installed, switch the pump on and
o, instead of closing and opening the Inlet Valve.
3. Once water ow is steady out the waste line, run the
pump for at least 1 minute. The initial backwashing of the
lter is recommended to remove any impurities or ne
sand particles in the sand media.
4. Turn the pump o, Multi-Port Valve to the RINSE position.
Switch on the Pump/ Open the Inlet Valve until water in
sight glass is clear — approximately 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Switch o the Pump/ Close the Inlet Valve, set the Multi-
Port Valve to the FILTER position and Switch on the Pump/
Open the Inlet. Your lter is now operating in the normal
lter mode.
6. Adjust pool suction and return valves to achieve desired
ow. Check the plumbing and lter for water leaks and
tighten connections, bolts, and nuts, as required.
NOTE: During initial clean-up of the pool water, it
may be necessary to backwash frequently due to the
unusually heavy initial dirt load in the water.
7. Record the pressure gauge reading (start up pressure)
during initial operation. After a period of time, the
accumulated dirt and debris in the lter causes a
resistance to ow, and the ow diminishes. The
pressure will start to rise and the ow of water will start
diminishing. When the pressure gauge reading is 10psi
higher than the initial “Start up”pressure, it is time to
backwash (clean) the lter (see Backwashing).

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AquaGuard | SandMaster
Backwashing
The function of backwashing is to separate the deposited
particles from lter media grains and ush them from the
lter bed. Backwashing is achieved by reversing the ow of
water through the lter bed at a fairly high ow rate. This
high ow rate expands the lter bed and the water collects
the debris taking it to waste.
Conditions for Backwashing
Time for backwashing is determined by the following
conditions:
1. The ow rate through the lter bed decreases until it is
insucient to meet the demand.
2. The removal eciency of the lter bed decreases to the
point where the euent quality deteriorates and is no
longer acceptable.
3. When the pressure gauge reading is 10psi higher than the
start up pressure.
4. If the lter is connected to mains water, pressure rise is not
an accurate indicator as mains pressure tends to uctuate.
It is best to rely on the actual ow rate.
NOTE: We recommends that you backwash a swimming
pool sand lter in a residential installation at least once
a month.
Importance of Backwashing
The importance of backwashing cannot be overstated.
Dense lter media can become“packed” without proper and
frequent enough backwashing. Debris will remain trapped
and create channeling within the lter bed. This will result
in the lter bed exhausting early. If debris is not ushed
from the media grains, the lter bed will become dirtier and
dirtier as time goes on until the lter operation fails.
Backwashing Instructions
1. Switch o the Pump/ Close the Inlet Valve.
NOTE: If a pump is installed, switch the pump on and o,
instead of closing and opening the Inlet Valve.
2. Release the lter’s pressure by loosening Pressure Release
Valve until the Pressure Gauge needle drops to zero <0>.
3. Re-tighten Pressure Release Valve.
4. Depress and turn Handle 180° to the BACKWASH position.
In the BACKWASH position, the water ow is automatically
reversed through the lter so that it is directed to the
bottom of the lter vessel, up through the sand, ushing
the previously trapped dirt and debris out the waste line.
5. Switch on the Pump/ Open the Inlet Valve. Backwash
water will ow out through drain pipe.
6. When the backwash water in the sight glass appears clear,
Switch o the Pump/ Close the Inlet Valve.
7. Depress and turn the handle to the RINSE position. In the
RINSE water ow is directed through the lter bed and
out of the lter through the backwash outlet. This process
settles the lter media bed into place and ensures any dirt
or debris is rinsed out of the lter, preventing possible
return to the pool.
8. Switch on the Pump/ Open the Inlet Valve. Rinse water will
ow out through the drain pipe.
9. When the rinse water in the sight glass appears clear.
Switch o the Pump/ Close the Inlet Valve.
10. Depress and turn the handle to the Filter position and
Switch on the Pump/ Open the Inlet Valve for normal
operation.
Maintenance
The lter media will only require replacement once it has
reached the limits of its designated life. Refer to the product
information of the particular lter media used.
To ensure the maximum life of the selected lter media,
please follow the procedures below:
1. Backwash the lter regularly according to the instructions
set under “Backwashing”.
2. Refer to the specications of the lter media used and
implement regeneration procedures accordingly.
3. Maintain a correct chemical balance your pool/spa water.
The chemical balance of water is a relationship between
its Ph, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and water
temperature. The water must be maintained at all times to
the following:
PH LEVEL: BETWEEN 7.2 & 7.8.
TOTAL ALKALINITY: BETWEEN 80 & 150ppm.
CALCIUM HARDNESS: BETWEEN 150 & 300ppm.
And within these tolerances be balanced to the Langelier
Saturation Index within a range of -0.2 to +0.2.
NOTE: Testing kits are available to test the water
yourself or alternately bring a sample of the water to a
professional pool store.
4. Mains water and rural water supplies need to be
monitored. Saturation (life) in mains water or bore (rural)
will vary depending on water quality.
5. To prevent damage to the pump and lter and for proper
operation of the system, clean pump strainer and skimmer
baskets regularly.

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Trouble Shooting
Above normal
or excessive
force to operate
the Multi-Port
Valve
Scoring or jamming with foreign matter or debris. If
this condition persists after rinsing, disassemble the
valve to clear. Continued operation of the valve may
result in a non-sealing condition (damage to spider
gasket). This will lead to water loss
to the backwash line or to inecient ltration.
Filter Media in
the backwash
1. Excessive quantity of media in
the lter.
2. Excessive water ow.
3. Incorrect sized or grade of lter
media.
Dirty Water 1. Insucient ltration time.
2. Heavy contaminants or dirt load.
3. Dirty lter, requires backwashing.
4. Air leaking on suction.
5. Pump impeller vanes blocked.
6. In sucient water supply
(water level low, blockage).
7. Pump not primed.
8. In correct water chemistry.
9. Excessive ow of water for lter size. Foreign matter
or debris forced through lter bed and through the
under drain.
10. Other restrictions including (pool suction cleaners)
resistance from other inline equipment such as
strainers. Operating the lter on recirculate will
determine if the restriction is in the lter.
11. Clogged or channeled lter media. Perform
backwash or regeneration.
Refer to maintenance section.
Filter Media
returning to
Swimming
Pool/ Spa
1. Filter is on recirculate.
2. Verify it is the lter media and
not from another source.
3. Damage to the under-drain
laterals.
4. Damage or incorrect t of
Multi-Port Valve are correct.
5. Incorrect or mixed grades of
media in the lter.
Short ltration
cycles
1. Presence of algae or a scale
builds up.
2. Check water chemistry.
3. Excessive water ow, check
pump size, mains water ow.
4. Filter blocked through calcium
etc. clean lter media.
Winterizing
1. Completely drain tank by unscrewing drain cap at the base of the lter tank. Leave cap o during winter.
2. Depress control valve handle and rotate to set pointer on valve top between any two positions. This will allow water to drain
from the valve. Leave valve in this“inactive” position.
3. Drain and winterize pump according to pump instructions.

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AquaGuard | SandMaster
SandMaster System Parts Listing SM16102S, SM16102STL
SM19152S, SM19152STL
No. Part Number Description Req’d Qty
1 AGX202701 Filter System Base
for SM16 and SM19
1
2 AGX304073 Tank Drain Assembly 1
3 AGX304017 Lateral for SM16, SM19 8
4a AGX304079 Center Pipe for SM16 1
4b AGX305071 Center Pipe for SM19 1
5a AGX304172 Air Relief Assembly for SM16 1
5b AGX305173 Air Relief Assembly for SM19 1
6a AGX304008 16" Tank Only for SM16 1
6b AGX305008 19" Tank Only for SM19 1
7 AGX304072 Flange Clamp 1
8 AGX310120 Flange Clamp O-Ring 1
9 AGXB88240 Pressure Gauge 1
10 AGX304071 7-Way Multi-Port Valve 1
11 AGX6VLS00 7-Way Multi-Port Valve Handle
Assembly
1
AGX6VL000 7-Way Multi-Port Valve Label 1
12 AGX310210 Union O-Ring 2
13 AGX202702 Valve Adapter 1
14a AGX202772 PVC Hose
for SM16102S and SM16102STL
1
14b AGX202871 PVC Hose
for SM19152S and SM19152STL
1
15a DF102S 1.0 HP DualFlo Pump
for SM16102S
1
15b DF102STL 1.0 HP DualFlo Pump, Twist Lock
for SM16102STL
1
15c DF152S 1.5 HP DualFlo Pump
for SM19152S
1
15d DF152STL 1.5 HP DualFlo Pump , Twist Lock
for SM19152STL
1
16 AGX202775 Screw M8X35 and Nut M8 4
* See DualFlo Pump Manual for pump parts listing.
13
12
11
10
8
7
3
2
1
4a
b
5a
b
6a
b
15
a
b
c
d
16
14 a
b
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Limited Warranty
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, will repair or replace, at its option, for the original owner any parts of its lters
(“Product”) which are found upon examination to be defective in materials or workmanship. This Limited Warranty covers parts
only for a period of one (1) year.
Please contact the store you purchased the lter from for instructions. Be prepared to provide a receipt, the model number and
serial number when exercising this limited warranty.
Purchaser must pay all transportation charges on Products or parts submitted for repair or replacement.
All non-warranty service charges are the responsibility of the original owner. Failure to pay for non-warranty service charges will
void this Limited Warranty.
This Limited Warranty does not cover Products that have been damaged as a result of accident, freezing, abuse, misuse, neglect,
improper installation, improper maintenance or failure to operate in accordance with written instructions. All maintenance and
service must be performed by service agents approved. Any unauthorized alteration or repairs will void this Limited Warranty.
THERE IS NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND ANY
LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXPENSES WHATSOEVER IS EXCLUDED.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusions or limitations of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations might not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specic
legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights which vary from state to state.
In no event, whether as a result of breach of contract warranty, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, shall its suppliers be liable
for any special, consequential, incidental or penal damages including, but not limited to loss of prot or revenues, loss of use of
the products or any associated equipment, damage to associated equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute products, facilities,
services or replacement power, downtime costs, or claims of buyer’s customers for such damages.
This Limited Warranty does not include freight charges for equipment or component parts, to and from the factory, services such
as maintenance or inspection, repair or damage due to negligence such as freezing conditions, incorrect installation, nor acts of
God. The liability shall not exceed the repair or replacement of defective parts under this Limited Warranty.
This Limited Warranty also does not include unnecessary service calls due to erroneous operational reports, external valve
positions, or electrical service. If a non-warranty service call is made, and the homeowner is unwilling to pay for the service
call, this Limited Warranty will be voided. This Limited Warranty is voided if the product is repaired or altered by any persons or
agencies other than those authorized. This Limited warranty applies only within the continental USA. For warranty outside the
continental USA.
You MUST retain your purchase receipt along with this form. In the event you need to exercise a warranty claim, you MUST present
a copy of the purchase receipt at the time of service. Please contact the store you purchased the lter from for service or return
authorization and instructions.
DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM. Use this form only to maintain your records.
MODEL NO. SERIAL NO. INSTALLATION DATE

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AquaGuard | SandMaster
Notes

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Thank you for choosing
AquaGuard!