Pentair ONGA FREEFLO FFSF-21-40 User manual

1
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
SAND FILTER
FREEFLO™
INSTALLATION / OPERATION / PARTS
Should the installer or owner be unfamiliar with the correct installation or operation of
this type of equipment you should contact the distributor/manufacturer for the correct
advice before proceeding with the installation or operation of this product. The pump
operator or owner must be provided with this owner’s manual.

2FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Page
Table of Contents 2
Cautions and Warnings 2
Specifications 3
Filter Application - General Information 4
Installation / Assembly of Internal Components 5
Loading Sand Media 5
Installation of Multi-Port Valve 6
Operation 7
Start up 8
Service and Maintenance 8
Maintenance 10
Troubleshooting 11
Replacement Parts 12
Notes 14
Hazardous Pressure
Incorrectly installed or tested equipment may fail, causing severe
injury or property damage. Read and follow instructions in owner’s
manual when installing and operating equipment. Have a trained pool
professional perform all pressure tests.
Turn pump off before changing valve position
Do not unscrew MPV clamp while pump is running
All glued fittings and pipe work should be allowed to dry to atmosphere for
24 hours before closing the installation. Failure to do so could cause injury
or installation failure.
The fittings on these filters are constructed of ABS. Some PVC jointing
compounds are incompatible with ABS possibly causing failure to the
product. Check compound suitability prior to use.

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FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
FFSF-25-50 & FFSF-28-50FFSF-21-40, FFSF-25-40 & FFSF-28-40
A
D
CB
A
D
B
C
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL PRODUCT FILTER AREA
FT2/ M2
BACKWASH FLOW
RATE (LPM)
MAXIMUM FLOW
RATE (LPM)
FFSF-21-40 FREEFLO™Sand Filter
21" / 40mm MPV 2.4 / 0.22 120 180
FFSF-25-40 FREEFLO™Sand Filter
25" / 40mm MPV 3.3 / 0.31 180 255
FFSF-25-50 FREEFLO™Sand Filter
25" / 50mm MPV 3.3 / 0.31 180 270
FFSF-28-40 FREEFLO™Sand Filter
28" / 40mm MPV 4.2 / 0.39 230 320
FFSF-28-50 FREEFLO™Sand Filter
28" / 50mm MPV 4.2 / 0.39 230 340
MODEL A
(MM)
B
(MM)
C
(MM)
D
(MM)
VALVE PORT
SIZE (MM)
SAND
(KG)
GLASS (KG)
COARSE FINE
FFSF-21-40 845 730 670 527 40mm / 1.5" 85 45 30
FFSF-25-40 950 835 775 627 40mm / 1.5" 145 90 45
FFSF-25-50 950 835 775 627 50mm / 2" 145 90 45
FFSF-28-40 1020 905 845 703 40mm / 1.5" 210 120 60
FFSF-28-50 1020 905 845 703 50mm / 2" 210 120 60

4FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
FILTER APPLICATION - GENERAL INFORMATION
This filter is designed for use in domestic/residential swimming pool installations with correctly
sanitised fresh or salt chlorinated water. Suitable for use with sand, Zelbrite or glass filter media.
1. Locate the filter system as close to the pool as practical.
2. Place the filter on a level stable foundation, preferably a concrete pad or paving. Filter systems
loaded with sand and water can exceed 500kg.
3. Position all equipment to provide ease of access for future servicing.
4. Protect the filter and pump from weather and direct sunlight by ensuring that they are
properly housed.
5. Ensure there is sucient space to provide adequate ventilation to electric pump motor.
6. Clean a new pool as well as possible before filling pool and operating filter. Excess dirt
and large particles of foreign matter in the system can cause serious damage to the filter
and pump.
7. Ensure pump is compatible with filter specifications.
8. For below water level installations ensure isolation valves are installed to reduce risk
of flooding.

5
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
INSTALLATION / ASSEMBLY OF INTERNAL COMPONENTS
Loading Sand Media
Installation of filter should be only carried out by qualified personnel. Ensure that the
under-drain assembly (hub, laterals & tube) are properly assembled & installed prior to adding
filter media (sand).
1. The filter internals comprise of a collector hub and eight (8) laterals, which are supplied
packaged seperately with the collector hub and are stored inside the filter tank prior to
shipment.
2. Carefully inspect the laterals and hub prior to assembly for any visible defects.
3. Please ensure all laterals are hand tight prior to adding media, as they may have loosened
during shipping.
1. To keep sand out off collector assembly, place plastic
sand shield over top of collector tube before pouring
sand into filter (See diagram below).
2. To support laterals and prevent lateral breakage
during loadings, fill tank about half full of water before
loading sand.
3. Pour sand into filter, making sure that the sand is of
the correct type and quantity for the particular filter
model (Refer filter label).
Make sure gasket area on top of tank is free of sand before installing valve.
4. Before installing valve, double-check that the correct quantity of sand has been loaded.
5. Remove plastic sand loading shield and keep for future use.
734 0294
Fill tank
about
half full
of water
before
adding
sand.
Sand Shield
keeps collector
hub assembly
clean when
loading filter.

6FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
Make sure gasket area on top of tank is free of sand before installing valve.
1. Install o-ring on valve flange; make sure o-ring is clean, and has no nicks, tears, or scrapes
and lubricate with silicon based lubricant.
2. Make sure tank and valve flanges are clean and free of sand; put valve on top of tank.
Vertical pipe of collector assembly inserts into base of valve.
3. Install clamp; make sure knob is positioned for easy access for filter maintenance.
Valve port labelled “Pump” should point toward pump.
4. Tighten clamp knob until clamp ends (under bolt) are 1/4” (6mm) apart. Tap around outside of
clamp with a mallet to help seat clamp.
5. Connect pipe from pump discharge to valve port labelled “PUMP”; use union provided.
Assemble union as follows for leak free operation:
• O-ring and sealing surfaces must be clean.
• Assemble hand tight only (No wrenches).
• NO pipe compound or teflon tape on unions.
6. Complete all plumbing connections, using 1 1/2” (FFSF-21-40 & FFSF-25-40) or 2” (FFSF-25-50,
FFSF-28-50 & FFSF-32-50) pipe to reduce pressure losses as much as possible.
7. Complete all plumbing connections, using 1 1/2” (FFSF-21-40 & FFSF-25-40) or 2” (FFSF-25-50,
FFSF-28-50 & FFSF-32-50) pipe to reduce pressure losses as much as possible.
• Pipe from valve RETURN port to pool return.
• Pipe from valve WASTE port to waste.
• Suction piping from pool to trap inlet on pump.
8. System is ready to start up.
9. If you notice a leak around the clamp area after 15-30 minutes of running, repeat steps 3-4.
If there are leaks from beneath valve/clamp area, STOP PUMP, release all pressure by turning
valve handle to ‘waste’, remove clamp and valve and clean sealing surfaces.
Installation of Multi-Port Valve

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FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
The operation and the positions of valve settings are as follows:
WARNING: TURN PUMP OFF BEFORE ADJUSTING VALVE
WASTE
FILTER
BACKWASH RINSE
WASTE
RECIRCULATE
CLOSED
WASTE WASTE
WASTE WASTE WASTE
IN FLOW OUT FLOW IN FLOW OUT FLOW IN FLOW OUT FLOW
IN FLOW OUT FLOW IN FLOW OUT FLOW IN FLOW OUT FLOW
OPERATION
VALVE SETTINGS FUNCTION
Filter Normal filtration and vacuuming; water goes
through filter to pool.
Waste Lowers pool level or drains pool; water
bypasses filter, goes to waste.
Closed Shuts off all flow to filter and pool.
Backwash Reverses flow for cleaning; water goes
through filter to waste.
Rinse For initial startup cleaning and sand bed
leveling after backwash; water goes through
filter to waste.
Recirculate Circulates pool water; bypasses filter.
FILTER
BACKWASH
WASTE
RINSE
CLOSED
RECIRCULATE
WASTE
WASTE
WASTE
WASTE
WASTE
WASTE
IN FLOW OUTFLOW
IN FLOW OUTFLOW
IN FLOW OUTFLOW
IN FLOW OUTFLOW
IN FLOW OUTFLOW
IN FLOW OUTFLOW

8FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
START UP
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
1. Open system valve and make sure pump is filled with water. Make sure pool water level is
2” (50mm) above bottom of skimmer opening.
2. With pump OFF, set valve to ‘BACKWASH’ position.
3. Start pump, circulating water through filter to waste. NOTE: To prevent pump running dry, be
sure water level never drops below bottom of skimmer inlet. Add water to pool if necessary to
keep skimmer flooded while back-washing and rinsing.
4. Backwash until water runs clear (1-5 minutes).
5. Stop Pump; set valve to ‘RINSE’ position.
6. Start pump; run pump for 1 minute. Note: for Zelbrite repeat steps 1 through to 6 three times.
7. Stop pump; set valve to ‘FILTER’ Position.
8. Filter is now ready for service.
9. Record clean starting filter pressure gauge reading as a reference.
10. For new pools, backwash once a day until pool water is sparkling clear. Backwash when
pressure gauge shows 5 to 7 psi (35 to 50kPa) higher than clean starting pressure
(refer to step 9).
General: Wash outside of filter with a mild detergent and water. Rinse off with hose.
DO NOT use solvents to clean filter; solvents may damage components in system.
Inspect sand/media bed at least once a year to remove foreign material which has not been
back-washed out of the system.
NOTE: When the sand/media bed gets hard and crusty on top, remove all the old sand/media and
replace it with new sand/media. Alternatively, if the pressure gauge does not return to within 40kPa
of clean filter pressure after back-washing it is time to replace the filter media.
Weekly Pool Equipment Inspection
1. Check pressure during operation. When pressure is 5 to 7 psi (35 to 50 kPa) higher than clean
operating pressure, backwash filter (see instructions under Startup/Operation, page 12).
2. Except during hot weather with heavy skimmer loads, operating filter 6 to 12 hours per day
should be sucient. Carefully monitor water chemical balance and follow recommendations of
your local pool professional.
Hazardous pressure. Stop pump and release all pressure from system before
working on filter, valve, or clamp.

9
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
Water Maintenance
Keep water level at least 2” (50mm) above bottom of skimmer opening. Failure to do so can allow
air to enter system, causing pump to lose prime and air to enter filter. Maintain pH between 7.2
and 7.6 in pool.
To prevent damage to system components, keep water temperature below
Vacuum Pool
(Refer cleaner operating manual or consult your local pool professional)
1. Fill vacuum hose by submerging in water from one end to the other.
2. To vacuum, insert hose into skimmer suction manifold or into vacuum line in pool wall.
See instructions provided by the pool builder or pool manufacturer. Start pump, making sure it
is primed and pumping.
3. After vacuuming, clean pump trap basket to remove accumulated debris, then check filter
pressure gauge. If reading is 5 to 7 psi (35 to 50 kPa) higher than initial operating pressure,
backwash filter.
Lower or Drain Pool
1. Turn pump ‘OFF’ ; set valve handle to ‘WASTE’.
2. Use Vaccuum cleaner hose and head.
3. Start pump; run until pool is lowered to desired level.
3. Turn pump ‘OFF’ set valve handle to ‘FILTER’.
4. Start pump.
Multi-Port Valve Service
If valve is leaking during normal operation it will need to be repaired by an authorised Pentair
Water service technician.
Valve Removal
Hazardous pressure. Stop pump and release all pressure from system before working on filter,
valve, or clamp.
NOTE: If Multi-Port Valve is below pool water level, close suction and discharge
valves before disassembly to prevent draining pool.
1. Disconnect piping from pump and pool.
2. Remove clamp.
3. Remove valve from filter top.
4. To re-install valve, follow instructions, BE SURE to follow clamp tightening instructions.
38oC at all times.

10 FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
MAINTENANCE
TIMING MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Fortnightly Check pressure guage. If pressure
increase is greater than 20kPa
cleaning may be required.
Perform backwash according to
instructions.
Three Monthly Check inlet/ outlet o-rings for leaks. Isolate Pump, turn power off, clean
and grease O-rings or replace if
necessary.
Annually Compare operating pressure
of backwashed filter into initial
pressure (when new). If using Zeolite,
regenerate filter sand. This is
important in commercial applications
as it aids in the removal of ammonias.
If pressure is more than 30-40kPa
different from new filter, a sand
change may be required. Add salt to
filter sand per supplier. Allow to sit for
24 hours then backwash, rinse and
return to filter.
Your new product incorporates moving parts and withstands high velocity water with chemicals
in it. Some of these parts will wear in the normal course and use and require checks and
maintenance. Performing these checks and maintenance will identify parts that have worn
and require repair replacement before further serious damage is sustained. A small
amount of regular care and attention to your pool equipment will help ensure long life and trouble
free performance.

11
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM REMEDY
Filter startup pressure high and water
flow low
Filter requires backwash- Follow backwash
procedure outlined in manual.
Return line restricted- check for flow at
return.
Filter startup pressure low and water flow low Skimmer basket full of leaves or debris- clear
skimmer basket of all foreign matter and
debris.
Pump strainer lid not sealed correctly. - Refer
to pump owners manual for correct procedure
for sealing strainer lid correctly.
Pool water level is too low. - Fill pool correct
level.
Pool impeller blocked- call an authorised
service agent to service pump.
Short filter cycles Filter dirty- filter not backwashed for long
enough period.
Replace media (sand or Zelbrite).
Algae present in Pool water. - DONT RUN
FILTER WITH LIVE ALGAE IN POOL. Check the
chemical condition of the pool water and refer
to Pool Water Chemical Treatment.
Note: Incorrect chemical treatment will
greatly shorten filter life.
Leaking from filter tank joint Tank o-ring dirty.
O-ring incorrectly fitted- or pinched.
Clamp band not correctly fitted.

12 FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
FFSF-21-40, FFSF-25-40 & FFSF-28-40 FFSF-25-50 & FFSF-28-50
ITEM PART NO. DESCRIPTION
FFSF-21-40, FFSF-25-40 & FFSF-28-40
188280150 1. 5” Clamp Type Multiport Valve
289280705
Pressure guage Assembly
(spare part gauge is a stainless steel
oil-filled gauge)
389280108 1.5” union with sight glass with
O-ring
489280109 1.5” union
589010126
Stainless Steel Clamp Assembly
(replacement part is a stainless
steel clamp instead of plastic clamp
which comes with unit)
602011134 O- Ring for Filter Neck
789011606 FFSF- 21- 40 Standpipe with hub
89011606 FFSF- 25- 40 Standpipe with hub
89011607 FFSF-28-40 Standpipe with hub
801172008 Laterals ( 126mm)
901111062 FFSF- 21- 40/ FFSF- 25- 40
Filter Base
10 01181052 Fastener for Filter Base
ITEM PART NO. DESCRIPTION
FFSF-25-50 & FFSF-28-50
188281506F 2” Top Mount Valve
289280705
Pressure guage Assembly
(spare part gauge is a stainless
steel oil-filled gauge)
389280104 Sight glass assembly
489280110 2” union (3 required)
589010126
Stainless Steel Clamp Assembly
(replacement part is a stainless
steel clamp instead of plastic clamp
which comes with unit)
602011134 O-ring for Filter Neck
7E010129 FFSF-25-50 Standpipe with hub
E010130 FFSF-28-50 Standpipe with hub
801172010 Laterals (185mm) (4 required)
989012516 Laterals bracket (4 required)
10 01172007 Laterals (115mm) (4 required)
11 01111062 FFSF-25-50 Filter Base/ FFSF-28-
50 Filter Base
12 01181052 Fastener for Filter Base (4 required)
6
12
3
7
8
11
10
9
5
2
4
1
REPLACEMENT PARTS

13
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
16
17
17 18
18
19 20
20 21
22
23
24
25
ITEM PART NO. DESCRIPTION
MULTIPORT 2 IN. VALVE
189280702 MPV Handle Assembly
289280809 Lid Assembly 2" MPV
389280810 Seal Rotor and Gasket Kit 2" MPV
489280705 Pressure gauge Assembly
589280110 2" UNION
689280104 Sight glass assembly
789280811 Diffuser Assembly 2"
NOT SHOWN
02010003 O-Ring Lid
07020496 Decal Lid
02011005 O-Ring Stem Pipe
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
USED ON MODELS:
FFSF-25-50
FFSF-28-50
ITEM PART NO. DESCRIPTION
MULTIPORT 1-1/2 IN. VALVE
1800770 MPV Handle Assembly (Includes 1, 2 &3)
2Pin for Handle
3Washer for Handle
4M6 x 25 Screw with Nut for Camber Lid
5800771 Lid Kit (Includes 4,5 &6)
6800774 O-Ring for 1.5” Valve Lid
7Washer for Spring
8Spring for 1.5” Top Mount Valve
9O-Ring for 1.5” Valve Rotor
10 800772 Rotor and Gasket Kit
(Includes 7,8,9,10 & 11)
11 800775 Spider Gasket
12 1.5” Top Mount Valve Bottom Body Clamp
(Black)
13 1.5” Diffuser
14 O-Ring for 1.5” Union
15 1.5” Top Mount Valve Over Drain Diffuser
16 02020013 O-Ring for Union
17 1.5” Connector (White)
18 02011003 O-Ring for 1.5” Union
19 1.5” Union (A) (White)
20 89280109 1.5” Union Kit (Includes 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20)
21 01041002 1.5” Union Sight Glass
(Inc 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 ,22)
22
23 Connector for pressure guage/ stopper
O-Ring
24 Drain Plug with O-Ring
25 89280705 Oil Pressure Guage Kit (Inc 23, 24 & 25)
USED ON MODELS:
FFSF-21-40
FFSF-25-40
FFSF-28-40

14 FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
NOTES

15
FREEFLO™Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
PURCHASED FROM:
PURCHASE DATE:
SERIAL NO:
MODEL NO:
IMPORTANT
Please attach your sales invoice/docket here as proof of purchase should warranty service be
required. Please do not return warranty form to Pentair Australia - Retain for your records.

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All Pentair trademarks and logos are owned by Pentair or one of its global aliates. Pentair Aquatic Systems™and FREEFLO™
are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. and/or its aliated companies in the United
States and/ or other countries. ONGA®is a registered trademark of Pentair Water Australia Pty. Ltd. Unless expressly noted,
names and brands of third parties that may be used in this document are not used to indicate an aliation or endorsement
between the owners of these names and brands and Pentair. Those names and brands may be the trademarks or registered
trademarks of those third parties. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Pentair reserves the
right to change specifications without prior notice.
© 2019 Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. All rights reserved.
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