Pentair STA-RITE System 2 PLM100 User manual

System 2TM
Modular Media Filters
OWNER’S MANUAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS
MODELS
PLM100 PLM125 PLM150 PLM175 PLM200
PLM300
OUTLET
OUTLET
RELEASE
RELEASE
OUTLET
OUTLET
RELEASE
RELEASE
This manual should be given to the
owner of this filter.
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Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
© 2012 Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is subject to change without notice.
1620 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330 • [phone]
10951 West Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, CA 93021 • [phone]
Trademarks and Disclaimers:
System 2™, Posi-Lok™,Sta-Rite®and Pentair Water Pool and Spa®are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Pentair
Water Pool and Spa, Inc. and/or its affiliated companies in the United States and/or other counties. Unless noted, names
and brands of others that may be used in this document are not used to indicate an affiliation or endorsement between the
proprietors of these names and brands and Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. Those names and brands may be the
trademarks or registered trademarks of those parties or others. Printed in U.S.A.
4-19-12 S338 (Rev. B)

READ AND FOLLOW SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your filter or in
this manual, look for one of the following signal words and be alert to the
potential for personal injury.
warns about hazards that will cause death, serious personal injury,
or major property damage if ignored.
warns about hazards that can cause death, serious personal injury,
or major property damage if ignored.
warns about hazards that will or can cause minor personal injury or
property damage if ignored.
NOTICE indicates special instructions not related to hazards.
Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in this manual and on equipment.
Keep safety labels in good condition; replace if missing or damaged.
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.
1. Do not connect system to a city water system or other external source of
pressurized water.
2. Use equipment only in a pool or spa installation.
3. Trapped air in system can cause explosion. BE SURE all air is out of system
before operating or testing equipment.
Before pressure testing, make the following safety checks:
• Check all clamps, bolts, lids, lock rings and system accessories before testing.
• Release all air in system before testing.
• Tighten Sta-Rite pump trap lids to 30 ft. lbs. (4.1 kg-cm) torque for testing.
• Water pressure for test must be less than 25 PSI (172 kPa).
• Water Temperature for test must be less than 100oF. (38oC).
• Limit test to 24 hours. After test, visually check system to be sure it is ready for
operation. Remove pump trap lid and retighten hand tight only.
NOTICE: These parameters apply to Sta-Rite equipment only. For
non-Sta-Rite equipment, consult equipment manufacturer.
2
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions...........................................................................................2
General Information.........................................................................................3
Specifications ..................................................................................................4
Installation .......................................................................................................5
Initial Startup....................................................................................................6
Filter Disassembly / Assembly......................................................................6-7
Module Cleaning Procedure .........................................................................7-8
Special Cleaning Instruction .........................................................................8
System Inspection/Winterizing.........................................................................9
Troubleshooting Guide ..................................................................................10
Repair Parts List ............................................................................................11
WARNING
Hazardous Pressure!
Can cause tank
explosion.
Do not connect filter to
compressed air under any
circumstances.

3
GENERAL INFORMATION
• 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.
• With a permanent media filter in place and operating correctly, clean water
is returned to the pool faster than pool water is being contaminated. A
typical pool installation will require approximately one week to obtain and
maintain the sparkle that your filter is capable of giving you.
• Maximum pressure is 50 PSI (345 kPa). DO NOT connect the filter to a
city water system or to an individual water well system.
Hazardous pressure. Open air release valve to vent all air
from system before operating system. NEVER operate filter with air
trapped inside.
• The Sta-Rite®modular media filter is designed to filter water for swimming
pools and spas. On a new installation, we recommend:
1. Disassemble the filter after the initial cleanup.
Hazardous pressure. To prevent severe injury or major
property damage, exactly follow "Filter Disassembly/Assembly
Procedure" on Pages 6 and 7.
2. Remove and hose down the element assembly to remove contaminants.
• Maintain pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Make sure that internal air bleed tube and filter are clean and installed
properly at top of module before operating filter.
• Make sure that Posi-Lok™ Ring is securely locked in place before
operating filter.
• Maintain pressure gauge in good working order. Replace a damaged
gauge immediately.
• Cleaning interval is based on pressure rise, not on length of time filter is
operated. Different water conditions will have different normal cleaning
intervals.
• Check local codes for restrictions on waste water disposal requirements.
NOTICE: Some pool disinfectants may clog filter module. To maximize
module life and filter cycle time, closely follow disinfectant manufacturer’s
instructions when cleaning pool or filter. Failure to follow these instructions
may affect warranty coverage of the module.
Owner’s Information
Serial Number ______________________________________________
Dealer ____________________________________________________
Dealer’s Telephone # _________________________________________
Purchase Date ______________________________________________
Pressure Gauge Reading at Startup _____________________________
Installation Date _____________________________________________
When to Clean the Filter
The filter module should normally be
cleaned when the pressure gauge
reading increases 10 PSI over the start-
up pressure (record the start-up
pressure under “Owner’s Information”,
below, right).
In some pools, accessories such as
fountains or pool cleaners may be
noticeably affected by the normal
decrease in flow as the filter becomes
dirty. If so, clean the filter more
frequently (that is, at a pressure increase
of less than 10 PSI) in order to maintain
the required flow.
Head
Body
ForeArm
Upper
Arm
LegJoint
LegJoint
LegJoint
Head
Body
WARNING
Risk of drowning and
falls. Place equipment
at least 4 feet from pool
so that children cannot
climb over it into pool.
sss
Do not allow children
to stand or play on filter
or pump.

4
Dim B
Minimum
Service
Height
Dim A
18.58" Dia.
(472 mm)
15" Dia.
(381 mm) 2.25"
(57 mm)
Outlet
2" NPT
Drain
Plug
Lower
Tank
Shell
Safety
Latch
Posi-Lok™
Ring
Upper
Tank
Shell
Air Release Valve
(Pressure Gauge
Behind)
4310 0203
Inlet
or Drain
2" NPT
2" NPT
Inlet or
Drain
INLET
INLET
RELEASE
RELEASE
To Pool
From
Pool
Outlet
Inlet
Pump
Filter
4085 1001
SPECIFICATIONS
FIGURE 1A – Dimensions in inches (mm)
Table 1 - Filter Specifications
Model No.
PLM100 PLM125 PLM150 PLM175 PLM200 PLM300
Filter Area sq. ft. (m2) 100(9.3) 125(11.6) 150(14) 175(16.3) 200(18.6) 300(27.9)
Max. Rated Flow GPM (LPM)
Commercial 37(140) 47(178) 56(212) 66(249) 75(284) 113(428)
Max. Operating Pressure PSI (kPa) 50(345) 50(345) 50(345) 50(345) 50(345) 50(345)
Max. Continuous Water
Temperature F(C) 104°(40°) 104°(40°) 104°(40°) 104°(40°) 104°(40°) 104°(40°)
Dimension A – Height (mm) 27-3/4(705) 27-3/4(705) 27-3/4(705) 27-3/4(705) 27-3/4(705) 37-5/8(956)
Dimension B – Minimum Service
Height (mm) 38-1/2(978) 38-1/2(978) 38-1/2(978) 38-1/2(978) 38-1/2(978) 57(1,448)
FIGURE 1B – Piping Connections
4 (28)
2 (14)
6 (41)
8 (55)
10 (69)
12 (88)
14 (97)
16 (110)
18 (124)
Pressure Drop in Pounds per Square Inch (kPa)
10
(38) 20
(76) 40
(151) 60
(227) 80 (303) 100
(378) 120 (454) 140 (529)
160
(606)
Flow in Gallons Per Minute (LPM)
20 (138)
150
(568)
FIGURE 2 – Pressure Drop Curve

5
NOTICE
Make sure that the filter and all
piping can be drained for
winterizing. See “Winterizing”,
Page 9.
INSTALLATION
Installation of filter should only be done by qualified, licensed personnel.
Filter mount must:
• Provide weather and freezing protection.
• Provide space and lighting for easy access for routine maintenance. (See
Figure 1 for space requirements.)
• Provide ventilation and drainage for pump.
• Be on a reasonably level surface and provide adequate drainage.
Piping (See Figure 1B for correct connections):
• Piping must conform to local/state plumbing and sanitary codes.
• Use thread seal tape or joint sealent (provided) on all male connections of
plastic pipe and fittings. DO NOT use pipe compounds on plastic pipe; it
will cause the pipe to crack. Do not use sealant on unions – assemble them
dry and hand tight.
• Support pipe independently to prevent strains on filter.
• Fittings restrict flow; for best efficiency use fewest possible fittings.
NOTICE: Run outlet (return) piping to the filter port marked ‘outlet’ (see
Figure 1A). Run inlet and drain piping to the other two 2” NPT ports which
are not marked. These two ports (inlet and drain) are interchangeable to
allow for the most convenient piping run. After you have piped the inlet and
drain, apply the ‘inlet’ decal to the port to which you have run the inlet
piping.
• For ease of maintenance, use Sta-Rite union couplings to connect the
piping to the filter inlet and outlet ports.
• Keep piping tight and free of leaks: pump suction line leaks may cause
trapped air in filter tank or loss of prime at pump; pump discharge line leaks
may show up as dampness or jets of water.
• NOTICE: Overtightening can crack filter ports.
Valves:
• Install valves on both sides of the filter to isolate filter for easy servicing.
NOTICE: Install heater downstream of filter. If heater does not incorporate a
check valve, install one at the heater inlet to prevent hot water from backing
up into the filter. Filter modules damaged by excessive heat will void the
warranty.
• A check valve installed ahead of filter inlet will prevent contaminants from
draining back into pool.
Electrical:
• BE SURE filter grounding and bonding meets local and National Electrical
Code standards. All wiring, grounding and bonding of associated equipment
must meet local and National Electrical Code Standards.

6
Hazardous pressure.
Can cause severe
injury or major
property damage
from tank blow up.
Release all pressure
and read instructions
before working on filter.
INITIAL START-UP
Be sure pump is OFF before starting procedure.
Do not operate these filters at more than 50 PSI (345 kPa) under any
circumstances!
1. Securely lock Posi-Lok™ ring in place by rotating ring CLOCKWISE until
it “clicks” past the safety latch (see Figure 3). Stop turning as soon as the
ring clicks past the latch. The ring may feel slightly loose, but it will
tighten up when pump is on and filter is under pressure.
2. Fill trap on pump with water.
3. Open air release valve on top of filter.
4. Open isolation valves.
5. Start pump to purge air from system.
6. When steady stream of water comes from air release valve, close the
valve.
NOTICE: Leaking around the Posi-Lok™ ring may indicate that the ring
is not fully locked. In this case, proceed as follows:
A. Stop the pump, close the isolation valves, and open the air release
valve to release any pressure within the filter.
B. Remove the drain plug and drain all water from the filter.
C. Push down on the top of the filter to fully seat the upper tank shell.
D. Rotate the Posi-Lok™ clockwise until it locks behind the safety latch
(see Figure 3).
E. If the ring was already locked, remove it and the upper tank shell.
Inspect and clean the O-ring and all sealing surfaces. Relubricate the
O-ring.
NOTICE: Lubricate O-ring only with the silicone grease provided or
equivalent, as other lubricants may cause the ring to swell. DO NOT
lubricate
Posi-Lok™ ring or threads on lower tank shell as this may collect grit and
make removal difficult.
After filter is operating, record filter pressure gauge reading in owner's
manual for future use.
NOTICE: When installed on a new pool, after approximately 48 hours of
operation disassemble filter and clean out plaster dust , construction debris,
etc. (see “Module Cleaning Procedure", Pages 7 and 8).
FILTER DISASSEMBLY/
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
Hazardous pressure. Before disassembling filter:
1. STOP PUMP.
2. CLOSE isolation valves.
3. OPEN air release valve and drain fitting.
4. WAIT until all pressure is released and water drained from filter tank and
system before loosening Posi-Lok™ Ring.
Disassembly:
1. Stop the pump.
2. Close isolation valves to prevent flooding.
3. Open air release valve on top of filter tank to release all pressure from
inside of tank.
Depress Safety Latch
to unscrew Posi-Lok™
RELEASE
RELEASE
Figure 4 – Depress safety latch
to unscrew Posi-Lok™ Ring.
2149 1195
Latch
Tab
Figure 3 – Rotate Posi-Lok™
Ring until tab locks behind the
safety latch.

7
NOTICE: Make sure that waste water disposal complies with local codes
and ordinances.
4. Remove drain plug and drain all water from tank.
5. Remove Posi-Lok™ ring as follows:
a. Press safety latch (below the ring) toward the tank to release it (see
Figure 4).
b. Hold latch in the release position and rotate ring COUNTERCLOCKWISE
to remove. If ring is difficult to turn, tap gently with a rubber mallet to
overcome initial resistance.
NOTICE: DO NOT use screwdriver or bladed instrument that may damage
shell surfaces to pry tank shells apart.
6. Separate upper and lower tank shell halves using tabs on bottom of Posi-
Lok™ ring. Insert tab into slot located at tank joint and twist ring to pry shell
halves apart. See Figures 5 and 6.
7. Remove O-ring from upper tank shell. Inspect for cuts, cracking,
deformation or signs of wear; replace if necessary.
NOTICE: To avoid strain or damage, allow filter module to drain before
lifting it out of the tank.
SAFETY LATCH (See Figure 7)
The purpose of the safety latch is to hold the Posi-Lok™ ring in the locked
position. If the latch is damaged, replace it as follows:
1. Press down on the small catch behind the safety latch and press or tap the
latch out of the “Tee” slot in the tank (see Figure 7).
2. Snap the new latch into position.
NOTICE: DO NOT operate the filter if the safety latch is damaged or will not
hold the Posi-Lok™ ring in the locked position.
Assembly:
1. Inspect and clean the tank, ring threads and O-ring groove. Replace
damaged parts as necessary.
2. Install the filter by placing the port in the bottom of the filter cartridge over
the tank outlet port. Push down firmly to seal.
3. Ensure that the air bleed assembly on top of the module is clean and
properly mounted.
NOTICE: Lubricate O-ring only with the silicone grease provided or
equivalent, as other lubricants may cause the ring to swell. DO NOT
lubricate Posi-Lok™ ring or threads on lower tank shell as this may collect
grit and make removal difficult.
4. Install the O-ring in the upper tank shell O-ring groove. Be sure that the
O-ring is clean and not twisted.
5. Push the upper tank shell into the lower tank shell to compress the O-ring.
6. Place the Posi-Lok™ ring squarely over the tank shell threads and rotate
COUNTERCLOCKWISE until the ring falls into the slots; then rotate
CLOCKWISE until securely latched.
7. Follow instructions in the “Initial Startup” section of this manual.
MODULE CLEANING PROCEDURE
Follow all steps in the “Disassembly” section of this manual.
The filter module should be removed and cleaned when pressure rises more
than 10 psi (69 kPa) above startup pressure. See also “When to Clean the
Filter,” at left.
2152 1195
Figure 5 – Insert ring tab in slot in
filter body.
Figure 6 – Roll ring to one side to
loosen upper tank half.
Small
Catch
Figure 7 – Safety Latch
When to Clean the Filter
The filter module should normally be
cleaned when the pressure gauge
reading increases 10 PSI over the start-
up pressure (record the start-up
pressure under “Owner’s Information”,
Page 3).
In some pools, accessories such as
fountains or pool cleaners may be
noticeably affected by the normal
decrease in flow as the filter becomes
dirty. If so, clean the filter more
frequently (that is, at a pressure increase
of less than 10 PSI) in order to maintain
the required flow.

Risk of chemical burns. Do not attempt to acid clean the filter or
module. If the filter requires acid cleaning, have a trained pool professional
do the job.
NOTICE: When sanitizing your pool using PHMB (polyhexamethylene
biquanide based) cleaners, use only PHMB cleaners to clean the module.
When using PHMB sanitizers, the filter module MUST be cleaned more
thoroughly and frequently than for a pool using chlorine. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Use of any other type of cleansers with
PHMB pool sanitizers will void the filter’s warranty.
NOTICE: Avoid washing filter debris into the outlet port. Remove drain plug
and flush foreign material from inside of tank before removing filter module.
1. With a hose equipped with a soft flow nozzle, wash as much dirt as
possible off of the filter module while it is still inside the tank. Allow tank to
drain completely.
2. Make sure that the inside of the tank is clean. Lift out the module and
hose it down thoroughly. Spray the entire module surface. Allow module to
drain.
3. Inspect the module. If necessary, repeat the washing operation. If the
module is damaged, replace it.
NOTICE: If this cleaning method does not remove all deposits, see
“Special Cleaning Instructions” section in this manual.
4. Inspect and clean air bleed filter at top of module.
5. Follow all steps in the “Assembly” and “Initial Startup” sections of this
manual.
Special Cleaning Instructions:
Use this procedure to clean scale or oils which are not removed by hosing
down module. Be sure to dispose of spent chemicals according to all
applicable codes and waste disposal ordinances. Use a soft stream nozzle to
minimize flying water and spray.
Risk of fire or explosion. Isolate filter from system before
chemical cleaning; rinse filter and elements completely before returning to
service. If filter cannot be isolated, remove media and clean at another
location. Follow chemical manufacturer’s instructions for use. Do not mix
chemicals except as directed by manufacturer. Do not allow cleaning
chemicals to mix with or to come in contact with chlorine, bromines, other
chemicals, or chemical feed devices.
1. Sponge or spray the module according to chemical manufacturer’s
directions.
2. If soaking is required, remove the module from the filter tank and
submerge it in a separate tank. Follow cleaner manufacturer’s instructions
carefully.
3. After completing chemical manufacturer’s instructions, drain and rinse the
module completely. Dispose of cleaners in accordance with local codes
and disposal ordinances.
4. Rinse the inside of the filter tank. Drain it completely.
5. Follow instructions in the “Assembly” and “Initial Startup” sections of this
manual.
8
Specialty Filter Cleaners
Consult your pool service
professionals for pool industry
recommended filter cleaners.

9
SYSTEM INSPECTION
General:
Wash the outside of the filter with a mild detergent and water. Rinse off with
a hose.
NOTICE: DO NOT use solvents to clean the filter; solvents may damage
plastic components in the system.
NOTICE: Open the air bleed valve and bleed all air from the filter each time
the pump is stopped and restarted.
Weekly Inspection:
1. Remove debris from the pool skimmer basket.
2.
Stop the pump; open the air release valve to release all pressure.
3. Remove the trap cover and basket; remove debris.
4. Check the pump for leaks. If found, see the pump owner's manual.
5. Replace the trap basket and the cover. Tighten the cover securely hand
tight. DO NOT use a lid wrench to tighten it.
6. Start the pump. When the filter air release valve runs a solid stream of
water, close the valve.
7. When the system has returned to normal operation, check the filter
pressure. If the filter pressure is 10 PSI (69kPa) or more higher than the
initial startup pressure, the filter needs cleaning. See “Module Cleaning
Procedure”, Pages 7 and 8.
WINTERIZING
Explosion hazard. Purging the system with compressed air can
cause components to explode, with risk of severe injury or death to anyone
nearby. Use only a low pressure (below 5 PSI), high volume blower when air
purging the pump, filter, or piping.
NOTICE: Protect the filter from freezing. Allowing the filter to freeze will
damage it and will void the warranty.
1. Clean the filter according to instructions (Pages 7 and 8) before
winterizing.
2. Stop the pump.
3. Open the air release valve; open all the system valves.
4. Remove the drain plugs from the trap, pump, and filter.
5. Drain the system piping.
A. Gravity drain system as far as possible.
B. Protect areas which retain water with non-toxic propylene glycol
antifreeze (“RV antifreeze”).
6. Loosen the union nuts (if used) to drain all water from the filter interior.
Leave these nuts loose until the system is restarted.
7. Disassemble the filter (follow instructions under “Filter Disassembly”,
Pages 6 and 7). Remove the filter module and store it in a warm, dry
area.
8. If the filter is equipped with an optional internal spring check valve (in the
tank outlet), manually open the check valve to allow any water trapped in
the tank to drain.
9. Cover the filter with plastic or tarpaulin to prevent water entrance and
freezing.
NOTICE
The filter outlet piping will not empty
through the filter drain. Make sure that
the outlet piping has a separate drain for
winterizing.

10
1. Short Cycle Time:
NOTICE: CycleTime will vary with each installation
and between different areas of the country. The
following causes and remedies are for cycle times
shorter than normal for your area.
A. Chlorine residual too low; maintain proper residual
(consult pool professional for recommendation).
B. Flow rate too high; restrict flow to rated capacity
of filter (see instruction plate on filter or
specifications on Page 4).
C. Filter is too small; install an additional filter.
D. Filter module is dirty or plugged; thoroughly
clean the filter (see No. 4, “Plugged Module
Cloth”, and “Module Cleaning Procedure",
Pages 7 and 8).
E. Water is chemically out of balance; consult pool
professional.
F. Algae in the pool. Apply heavy dose of chlorine
or algicide as recommended by the pool
manufacturer.
2. Low Flow/High Pressure:
A. Elements plugged; clean filter thoroughly (see
Pages 7 and 8).
B. Pipe blocked downstream from filter; remove
obstruction.
C. Piping too small; use larger pipe (consult dealer
for sizing).
D. Filter area too small; install an auxiliary filter
(consult dealer for recommendation).
E. Outlet port check valve obstructed (if applicable);
remove obstruction to allow valve to open.
3. Low Flow/Low Pressure:
A. Pump too small; consult dealer for
recommendations.
B. Plugged pump or plugged hair and lint trap;
clean thoroughly.
4. Plugged Module Cloth:
A. Insufficient cleaning; follow cleaning instructions
closely and clean thoroughly (see Pages 7 and
8).
B. Water is chemically out of balance; consult pool
professional.
C. Excessive air in filter. Vent air from tank and
check for pump suction pipe leaks. Clean air
bleed filter in module assembly with a hose and
soft flow nozzle.
D. Filter is too small. Install an additional filter.
E. Pool water contains iron. See “Special Cleaning
Instructions”, Page 8.
F. Heavy or improper application of powdered
chlorine tablets using a binder. See “Special
Cleaning Instructions”, Page 8.
G. Algae in the pool. Apply heavy dose of chlorine
or algicide as recommended by the pool
manufacturer.
H. Use of incorrect chemicals with PHMB sanitizers.
Replace filter module.
5. Pool Water Not Clean:
A. Chlorine residual too low; maintain adequate
chlorine residual (consult pool service technician
for recommendation).
B. Filter module cloth torn, plugged, or punctured;
replace module.
C. Inadequate turnover rate; consult dealer to verify
that equipment is properly sized for your pool.
D. Pump is too large and is overpumping. Reduce
the flow rate.
E. The filter is installed backwards. Reinstall it
correctly.
F. Pool water contains iron. See “Special Cleaning
Instructions”, Page 8.
G. Heavy or improper application of powdered
chlorine tablets using a binder. See “Special
Cleaning Instructions”, Page 8.
H. Algae in the pool. Apply heavy dose of chlorine
or algicide as recommended by the pool
manufacturer.
6. Pool Accessories Stop Working:
A. Clean filter and observe performance of
accessories.
B. If accessories perform better after filter has been
cleaned, use a shorter cleaning cycle for the filter
(that is, clean the filter after a pressure rise of
less than 10 PSI).
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE