Pentair STA-RITE SAND DOLLAR User manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION AND
USER’S GUIDE
SAND DOLLAR
®
AND CRISTAL-FLO
™
II
TOP MOUNT SAND FILTER
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
Important Warning and Safety Instructions ..............
Filter Overview ............................................................
Installation ...................................................................
Operation and Maintenance .......................................
Initial Start-Up
General Maintenance
Cleaning
Filter and Control Valve Functions
Filter Backwash Procedure
Chemical Cleaning
Winterizing the System
Troubleshooting ..........................................................
Replacement Parts ......................................................
Filter Replacement Parts
1.5” Valve Replacement Parts
2” Valve Replacement Parts
ii
1
2
5
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
13
13
14
15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
If you have questions about ordering Pentair Aquatic Systems replacement parts,
and pool products, please contact:
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Technical Support, USA
Sanford, North Carolina (8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. ET)
Moorpark, California (8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. PT)
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web site
Visit www.pentairpool.com or www.staritepool.com for information about Pentair
products.
P/N 152006 Rev. D 8/18/17
i

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
ENGLISH
Water temperature in excess of 100° F (37.7° C) may be hazardous to
your health. Prolonged immersion in hot water may induce hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a
level several degrees above normal body temperature of 98.6° F. (37° C.).
Effects of hyperthermia include: (1) Unawareness of impending danger. (2)
Failure to perceive heat. (3) Failure to recognize the need to leave the spa.
(4) Physical inability to exit the spa. (5) Fetal damage in pregnant women. (6)
Unconsciousness resulting in danger of drowning. The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can
greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs and spas.
Do not permit children to use or operate this sand filter.
When setting up pool water turnovers or flow rates the operator must consider
local codes governing turnover as well as disinfectant feed ratios.
DO NOT increase pump size; this will increase the flow rate through the
system and may exceed the maximum flow rate stated on the drain cover.
For filters intended for use in other than single-family dwellings, a clearly
labeled emergency switch shall be provided as part of the installation. The
switch shall be readily accessible to the occupants and shall be installed at least 5 feet (1.52 m)
away, adjacent to, and within sight of, the filter.
IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT IF THIS SAND
FILTER IS NOT INSTALLED AND USED CORRECTLY.
INSTALLERS, POOL OPERATORS AND POOL OWNERS MUST READ
THESE WARNINGS AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS
SAND FILTER.
Before installing this product, read and follow all warning notices
and instructions in this Guide. Failure to follow warnings and instructions
can result in severe injury, death, or property damage. Call [phone] for additional free
copies of these instructions. Please refer to www.pentair.com for more information related to
this product.
Most states and local codes regulate the construction, installation, and
operation of public pools and spas, and the construction of residential
pools and spas. It is important to comply with these codes, many of which directly regulate
the installation and use of this product. Consult your local building and health codes for more
information.
This sand filter is intended for use in swimming pool applications.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Attention Installer: This Installation and User’s Guide
(“Guide”) contains important information about the installation, operation and safe
use of this sand filter. This Guide should be given to the owner and/or operator of
this equipment.
ii

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
A pool or spa pump must be installed by a qualified pool and spa service
professional in accordance with the National Electrical Code and all applicable
local codes and ordinances. Improper installation may create an electrical hazard which could
result in death or serious injury to pool users, installers, or others due to electrical shock, and may
also cause damage to property.
IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Pumps are not a substitute for properly installed and secured pool drain
covers. An ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 approved anti-entrapment drain cover
must be used for each drain. Pools and spas should utilize a minimum of two drains per pump.
If a drain cover becomes loose, broken or is missing, close the pool or spa immediately and
shut off the pump until an approved anti-entrapment drain cover is properly installed with the
manufacturer’s supplied screws.
High Pressure from the Sand Filter can cause severe injury or major
property damage due to tank separation.
Release all pressure and read instructions before working on the
sand filter.
If the filter clamp is adjusted under pressure, the tank can separate,
causing serious injury or major property damage.
For information about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety
Act, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at [phone]
or visit www.cpsc.gov.
Important Note: Always turn off all power to the pool pump before
installing the cover or working on any suction outlet.
BEFORE WORKING ON FILTER!
(1) Stop pump.
(2) Open air release valve.
(3) Release all pressure from system.
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION:
PUMPS REQUIRE HIGH VOLTAGE WHICH CAN SHOCK, BURN, OR
CAUSE DEATH.
BEFORE WORKING ON PUMP!
Always disconnect power to the pool pump at the circuit breaker
from the pump before servicing the pump. Failure to do so could
result in death or serious injury to service person, pool users or
others due to electric shock.
iii

1
SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
ENGLISH
FILTER OVERVIEW
Your high rate sand filter is designed to produce clear, sparkling water and
operate for years with a minimum of maintenance when installed, operated
and maintained in accordance with these instructions.Your filter uses
special filter sand to remove dirt particles from the water. Dirt is collected
in the filter by the sand bed as water flows through the filter. Water enters
the filter through the valve on top of the filter and is distributed evenly
downward across the sand bed. The dirt is removed by the sand and the
clean water flows through the piping (laterals) at the bottom of the filter,
up through the stand pipe, back to the valve on top of the filter, where the
clean water is returned to the pool through the piping or hoses.
After a period of time, dirt will accumulate in the filter causing a
resistance to the flow of water through the filter. This resistance results
in a diminished flow of water and a rise in the pressure of the filter.
Eventually the filter sand will have removed so much dirt and the
filter pressure risen to such a point that it will be necessary to clean
(backwash) your filter.
This filter operates under high pressure. When any part of the
circulating system (e.g., clamp, pump, filter, valves, etc.) is serviced,
air can enter the system and become pressurized. Pressurized air can cause the lid or
control valve to separate which may result in serious injury, death, or property damage. To
avoid this potential hazard, follow these instructions.
1. Before repositioning valves and before beginning the assembly, disassembly, or
adjustment of the clamp or any other service of the circulating system:
(a) Turn the pump off and shut off any automatic controls to ensure the
system is not inadvertently started during the servicing;
(b) Open manual air relief valve;
(c) Wait until all pressure is relieved, pressure gauge must read zero (0).
2. Whenever installing the filter clamp, follow the filter valve and clamp installation
instructions exactly.
3. Once service on the circulating system is complete, follow system restart
instructions exactly.
4. Maintain circulation system properly. Replace worn or damaged parts immediately
(e.g., clamp, pressure gauge, relief valve, o-rings, etc.).
5. Be sure that the filter is properly mounted and positioned according to instructions
provided.

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
2
By setting the valve on top of the filter to the “Backwash” position, the
flow of water is automatically reversed through the filter so that the
flow of water is directed to the bottom of the filter, up through the sand
bed, flushing the dirt and debris out through the waste line. Once the
backwash procedure is complete, the valve is manually returned to
its “Filter” position to resume normal filtration. The filter’s function is
to remove suspended matter from the water. It does not sanitize the
water. For sparkling clear water, the water must be sanitized as well as
balanced. Pool chemistry is a specialized area, and you should consult
your local pool service specialist for specific details. In general, proper
pool sanitation requires a free chlorine level of 1 to 2 PPM and a pH
range of 7.2 to 7.6.Your filtration system should be designed to meet
your local health codes. As a minimum, you must be sure that your
system will turnover the total volume of water in your pool at least twice
in a twenty-four hour period.
INSTALLATION
1. Read and understand all instructions before attempting to
install, operate or maintain your pump and sand filter system.
2. Provide space and lighting for routine maintenance access.
Locate the system close to the pool. Install electrical controls
(e.g., on/off switches, timers, control systems, etc.) at least five (5)
feet from the filter. This will allow you enough room to stand clear
of the filter during system start up.
3. Remove all individual components from carton and inspect for any
visible damage. If carton or parts are damaged contact seller or
freight company.
Failure to operate your filter system or inadequate filtration can cause
poor water clarity obstructing visibility in your pool. Poor water clarity may
obscure objects in the water which while swimming and diving could cause serious personal
injury or death. Never swim in a pool with poor water clarity.
Blockage of suction fittings can cause serious or fatal injury due to
drowning. To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use
this product.
Never work on the pump while it is running or power is still
connected. High voltage can cause serious or fatal injury. A suitable
ground fault interrupter (GFCI) should always be installed at the power supply source of
this unit. Be sure to ground the motor before connecting to electrical AC power supply.
Failure to ground the motor can cause serious or fatal electrical shock hazard. DO NOT
ground to a gas supply pipe line.

3
SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
ENGLISH
4. The filter is ready to be moved into its final position. The system
must be placed on level solid earth. When the filter is filled with
sand and water it can weigh several hundred pounds.
5. Be certain to install the precise amount of filter sand listed on
your filter name plate. You must use only No. 20 standard silica
sand having a uniformity coefficient of 1.75 or less. No. 20 silica
sand has a particle size of .018-.022 inches (.45 to .55 mm).
Before pouring the sand into the filter, look inside and check the
lower under drain for broken or loose laterals (or fingers), which
may have been accidentally damaged by rough handling during
shipment. Replace any broken parts if necessary.
6. Install the sand guide in the top of the filter and fill the tank about
half full of water. Pour the sand into the top of the filter at a slow
rate so that the weight of the sand does not damage the laterals.
After the required amount of sand has been installed, remove and
discard the sand guide. Wash away all sand around the opening at
the top of the tank.
7. Be sure top of filter is free of any sand or debris and valve o-ring
is in place on valve body. Install valve so that the port locations
are in the desired final position. Valve ports are labeled with the
location of where they should be connected i.e. pump port must
go to pump discharge, waste port must go to the waste line and
return port must go to
the pool return.
8. Ensure that the valve
is firmly pushed into
the top of the tank
and that the flange
of the tank and the
flange of the valve are
contacting each other.
See Figure 1.
9. The plastic clamp can now be installed.
Place the clamp half over the valve
flange and the tank flange as shown
in Figure 1. Insert the clamp screws
and nuts into the clamp making sure
that the nuts are located in the special
hexagonal retainer slots on the clamps.
See Figure 2.Figure 2
Figure 1

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
4
10. Tighten clamp screws firmly and visually check the valve tank and
clamp assembly to insure that the joint is correctly assembled.
11. The filter unit has a maximum operating pressure listed on the
filter name plate. DO NOT OPERATE this unit above the maximum
operating pressure of the valve or the filter. Never connect the
filter and valve unit to a pump which can generate a pressure that
exceeds the operating pressure of the filter or valve.
12. Use sealant on all tapered male connections of pipes and fittings.
Use only sealant compounds suited for plastic pipe. Support
pipe to prevent strains on filter, pump or valve. DO NOT USE
PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS. NOTICE: All valve internal
threads are tapered except the air bleeder connection. Do not over
tighten tapered thread connections.
13. Install pressure gauge in 1/4”NPT port directly across from the
pump port of the valve.
14. Never store pool chemicals within ten (10) feet of your pool filter,
pump or valve. Pool chemicals should always be stored in a cool,
dry, well ventilated area.
High Pressure:
Improper tank valve assembly could cause the valve to separate
and cause serious injury and/or major property damage.
Chemical fumes and/or spills can cause serious corrosion to the filter and
pump structural components. Structurally weakened components can cause
filter, pump or valve attachments to separate and could cause serious bodily injury or property
damage.
The system’s centrifugal pump operates with electrical voltage, and can
generate both vacuum and pressure in the water system. When properly
wired and plumbed, this pump will operate in a safe manner.
High voltage can cause serious or fatal injury. Always install a suitable
GFCI at the power source of this unit as an added safety precaution. Article
681-31 of the NEC requires that a GFCI be used if this pump is used with a storable pool.
15. Avoid over tightening the pipe threads when connecting fittings
to the pump or valve. Proper procedure is to apply a pipe sealant
to the thread and then install hand tight plus one turn. DO NOT
OVER TIGHTEN.

5
SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
ENGLISH
Initial Start-Up
1. Be sure the correct amount of silica filter sand is in the tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
2. Verify that the backwash is open so that water is free to flow
from the pool and out the backwash line. Set the control valve to
“Backwash” position.
3. Check the valve clamp on the filter for proper installation. For
valve clamp installation instructions, see “Installation” on
page 2.
4. Open the manual air bleeder.
(See Figure 3 for air bleeder
location). STAND CLEAR OF
THE FILTER. Prime and start
the pump according to the
pump instructions allowing
the filter tank to fill with water.
Close the air bleeder on the
filter when a steady stream of
water emerges.
5. Once the water flow is steady
out the waste line, run the
pump for at least two minutes.
This initial backwashing of
the filter is recommended to remove any impurities of fine sand
particles in the silica sand media.
6. Turn the pump off and set valve to “Rinse” position. Ensure that
all pool suction and return lines are open so that the water is free
to flow from the pool to waste. STAND CLEAR OF FILTER and
start the pump.
7. Run the pump for at least two minutes.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Always turn pump off before changing valve positions. Changing valve
positions while the pump is running can damage the control valve, which
may cause serious injury or property damage.
This filter operates under pressure. With the valve clamped properly
and operated without air in the system, this filter will operate in a safe
manner. Air entering the filter and the valve not clamped correctly can
cause the valve to separate, which could cause serious personal injury
and/or property damage.
Figure 3
Manual
air bleeder

SAND DOLLAR® and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
6
8. Turn the pump off and set valve to “Filter” position. Be sure that
all pool suction and return lines are open so that water is free to
flow from and to the pool.
9. Open the manual air bleeder on the filter. STAND CLEAR OF
FILTER and start the pump.
10. Close the air bleeder on the filter when a steady stream of water
emerges.
11. The filter has now started its filtering cycle. Verify that water is
returning to the pool and take note of the operating pressure. The
original starting pressure is ___________ psi with the filter clean.
12. Check the system for water leaks. If a leak is found, shut the
pump off before correcting the leak.
13. As the filter removes dirt and impurities from the pool water, the
accumulation will cause the filter pressure to rise and flow to
diminish. When the pressure gauge reading is 10 psi higher than
the clean filter reading noted above, it is time to backwash the
filter.
General Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of the pump and sand filter system will
add many years of enjoyment to the pool. Follow these suggestions
for long trouble free operation.
1. To clean the exterior of the pump and sand filter system of dust
and dirt, wash with mild detergent and water and then hose off.
Do not use solvents.
2. If internal filter maintenance is required, sand may be removed by
removing the entire drain spigot from the bottom of the filter and
flushing with a garden hose.
3. The filter is a pressure vessel and should never be serviced
while under pressure. Always relieve tank pressure and open air
bleeder on filter before attempting to service the filter.
4. When restarting the filter always open the manual air bleeder on
the filter and STAND CLEAR OF FILTER.
5. The strainer basket in the pump should be inspected and cleaned
twice each week. Remove the clear lid and the basket, and clean
debris from basket. Inspect the lid o-ring; if damaged, replace.
The pump seal requires no lubrication. The pump motor should
only be serviced by a motor service center.