Assemble pump and pump mounting base (if supplied) to
the filter according to instructions packed with the base.
Loading sand media. Filter sand media is loaded through
the top opening of the filter.
Remove the top diffuser from the internal diffuser elbow
pipe and place flexible automatic air relief tube to the
side, out of the way, inside the tank.
Cap the internal diffuser elbow pipe with sand shield
provided to prevent sand from entering it. DO NOT
MOVE ELBOW PIPE as this can affect the integrity of
the bulkhead seal.
It is good practice to fill tank approximately 1/2 way with
water to provide a cushioning effect when the filter sand
is poured in. This helps protect the underdrain laterals
from excessive shock. (Be sure the drain cap is securely
in place on drain pipe.) Note: Check to confirm all
laterals are in the down position before loading with
sand. (See Figure A on Page 2.)
Carefully pour in correct amount and grade of filter
sand, as specified. Sand surface should be leveled and
should come to about the middle of the filter tank. Use
no more than the recommended amount of sand.
Remove sand shield from internal diffuser elbow pipe.
Replace diffuser on internal diffuser elbow pipe,
positioning automatic air relief tube through the hole
provided in the diffuser.
Place stainless steel valve flange clamp around neck of
tank. Do not overtighten. Wipe filter flange clean.
Insert Top Closure Dome (with flange O-ring in place)
into the tank neck. Place clamp around dome flange
and tank flange and tighten with screwdriver, tapping
around clamp with screwdriver handle to help seat
flange clamp.
Connect pump to control valve opening marked PUMP
according to instructions. Make return to pool pipe
connection to control valve opening marked RETURN and
complete other necessary plumbing connections, suction
lines to pump, waste, etc.
Make electrical connections to pump per pump instructions.
To prevent water leakage, be sure drain cap is securely in
place and all pipe connections are tight.
INITIAL START-UP OF FILTER
Be sure correct amount of filter sand media is in tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
Depress Vari-Flo control valve handle and rotate to BACK
WASH* position. (To prevent damage to control valve seat,
always depress handle before turning).
Prime and start pump according to pump instructions (be
sure all suction and return lines are open), allowing the
filter tank to fill with water. CAUTION: All suction and
discharge valves must be open when starting the
system. Failure to do so could cause severe personal
injury and/or property damage. Once water flow is
steady out the waste line, run the pump for at least 2
minutes. This initial backwashing of the filter is
recommended to remove any impurities or fine sand
particles in the sand media.
Turn pump off and set valve to RINSE position (Vari-Flo
Control Valve only). Start pump and operate until water in
sight glass is clear—about 1/2 to 1 minute. Turn pump off,
set valve to FILTER position and restart pump. Your filter is
now operating in the normal filter mode, filtering particles
from the pool water.
Adjust pool suction and return valves to achieve desired
flow. Check system and filter for water leaks and tighten
connections, bolts, nuts, as required.
Note the initial pressure gauge reading when the filter is
clean. (It will vary from pool to pool depending upon the
pump and general piping system).As the filter removes dirt
and impurities from the pool water, the accumulation in the
filter will cause the pressure to rise and flow to diminish.
When the pressure gauge reading is 6-8 PSI (0.41-0.55
BAR) higher than the initial “clean” pressure you noted, it
is time to backwash (clean) the filter (see BACKWASH
under Filter Control Valve Functions).
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.
IMPORTANT: To prevent unnecessary strain on piping
system and valving, always shut off pump before
switching Filter Control Valve positions.
To prevent damage to the pump and filter and for proper
operation of the system, clean pump strainer and skimmer
baskets regularly.
FILTER CONTROL VALVE FUNCTIONS
FILTER—Set valve to FILTER for normal filtering. Also use for
regular vacuuming.
BACKWASH—For cleaning filter. When filter pressure gauge
rises 6-8 PSI (0.41-0.55 BAR) above start-up (clean pressure):
Stop the pump, set valve to BACKWASH. Start pump and
backwash approximately 2 minutes or less depending on dirt
accumulation, until water in sight glass is clear. Proceed to
RINSE.
RINSE—After backwashing, with pump off, set valve to RINSE.
Start pump and operate for about 1/2 to 1 minute. This ensures
that all dirty water from backwashing is rinsed out to the filter to
waste, preventing possible return to the pool. Stop pump, set
valve to FILTER, and start pump for normal filtering.
WASTE—To bypass filter for draining or lowering water level
and for vacuuming heavy debris directly to waste.
RECIRCULATE—Water is recirculated through the pool
system, bypassing the filter.
CLOSED—Shuts off flow from pump to filter.
VACUUMING—Vacuuming can be performed directly into the
filter. When vacuuming heavy debris loads, set valve to
WASTE position to bypass the filter and vacuum directly out to
waste.
FILTER CONTROL SLIDE VALVE -Two positions
FILTER and BACKWASH selections are provided for all
necessary operational functions.
FILTER—Set Valve to FILTER for normal filtering. Also use for
vacuuming (handle in DOWN position).
BACKWASH—For pressure cleaning filter (handle in UP
position).
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*NOTE: For new concrete or gunite pools, or where there is a large amount of plaster dust or debris—start filter in FILTER position (not BACKWASH) to prevent clogging of
underdrain laterals.
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