SAND FILTERS
In a sand filter water passes through the pump housing and enters the sand
filter through the multiport valve head, which controls the directional flow of the
water. As water passes through a bed of filter sand (silica quartz) dirt is trapped
in the sand bed and clean, filtered water is returned to the pool. Sand filters
should run a minimum of 10 hours a day, ideally 24 hours a day. When the
filter becomes dirty- pressure builds in the sand filter and the water flow
returning to your pool decreases. When you initially start your sand filter you
will want to make a mental note of the “normal” or “starting pressure”,
when your pressure gauge increases 10 psi from that point you should
clean the sand by backwashing the filter.
Backwashing involves reversing water flow through the filter and sending dirt through a waste
line. A valve on the filter tank will direct the water to control backwashing and other functions.
When using a rotary multiport valve on a sand filter be sure to shut off the pump and motor
before changing valve positions. The o-ring inside of the valve, tank and pump and motor
should be lubricated at least once each season with an o-ring lubricant. DO NOT use
Vaseline® as the petroleum can breakdown the rubber material
.
Before attempting to start the filter system for the first time be certain that the water level is at
the proper level, a minimum of 1⁄2 way on the skimmer opening, and that the pump is primed;
see pump and motor
for details on priming your pump. New filter sand has a fine dust that
should be backwashed and rinsed prior to running on normal filtration. The following are
GENERAL guidelines for operating your sand filter. Detailed instructions on the operation of
your sand filter can be found in your filter operating manual on the following pages.
START UP
1. Set up the system on its base.
2. After removing the valve, fill the tank approximately halfway with water.
3. Cover the center standpipe and slowly add the specified amount of sand *see owners
instructions. DO NOT use play sand- use only swimming pool filter silica sand.
4. Replace valve and seal tank.
5. Connect the hoses from pool and inlet to valve head, use screw clamps to tighten.
6. Turn valve handle to backwash and turn on pump and motor for 30 seconds to one
minute. This will flush out system prior to circulating.
7. Stop motor and set valve to rinse turn on pump and motor for an additional 30 seconds.
8. Stop motor and set valve to filter. You are now in normal operation.
9. Open air relief bleeder valve and start pump and motor. When water sprays from air relief
you can hand tighten.
10. Note the reading on your filter’s pressure gauge. This is your normal starting pressure.
*you will reference this number when you need to backwash your filter.
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