
L. Filter system start up
1. Once the filter system has been properly assembled, the tank filled with Cotton
Tails and the hoses connected as described above, you may begin with filtration.
Do not plug the system in until advised to do so below.
Make certain the pump is not plugged into a power supply.
Before operating the filter system, it is important to ensure that the filter system is positioned
outside the pool and is lower than the pool’s water level. The hose connections must also
be correctly connected and fastened.
2. If you haven’t done so already, fill your pool with water. Ensure that the water level is at
least 1”-2” (2.5-5cm) above the top of the hose intake (Skimmer) and return ports in the pool.
The filter system is now vented. If applicable, open the vent screw (pressure gauge) on the
upper side of the filter cover until the water flows out.
Release the shut off valve at the intake port (Skimmer) in the pool. If you plugged the intake
port (Skimmer), remove the plug to allow the water to flow into the intake hose.
With the filter-pump system installed in a location level lower than your pool’s water level -
water will automatically flow into the pump-filter system.
Allow the filter tank to fill with water.
3. Check the filter system and the connection hoses for leaks and resolve, if necessary.
Leakage points may possibly arise due to manufacturing tolerances, which need to be
resolved by wrapping “Teflon” tape, available at any plumbing or hardware store, around
the connections before the connection hose is attached.
Your filter system is now ready for use.
4. Cleaning Cotton Tails
Do not back wash on initial operation.
No need to back wash unless tank’s pressure gauge reaches 25 psi.
We recommend removing Cotton Tails from filter tank at the end of the season, place in a
mesh bag, wash in clothes washing machine, let dry and return to tank for next season.
5. Important note regarding Clarifiers.
Pool water clarifiers or other chemical additives that bond to particulate matter for the
purpose of improved filtration must not be used if Cotton Tails is the filtration media for your
pool. This is the same warning or instruction that is commonly given for pools where
Diatomaceous Earth is the filtration media.
Like Diatomaceous Earth, Cotton Tails filters down to a very small particle size, 3 microns.
Therefore, the addition of a clarifier will not improve the effectiveness of Cotton Tails. The
clarifier or a similar chemical additive is likely to cause damage to the Cotton Tails resulting
in significant reduction in the filtration capability. In addition, possible damage to the filtration
tank or its internal components may occur.
Blue Wave will not be responsible for damage caused to the Cotton Tails, the filtration tank
or any of the internal components of the filtration tank where a clarifier or other chemical
additives that bond to particulate matter have been used in the pool.
6. Filtering time
The water in the pool should be circulated and filtered at least 4 to 5 hours 2 to 3 times in a
24 hour period, depending on the load and the size of the filter system. The time required is
based on the performance of the filter system and the size of the swimming pool. However,
we recommend a minimum running time of 12 hours per day.
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