3
Aqua-Clear
™
Fiberglass Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
WARNING
—
Failure to maintain and operate your filter system or inadequate filtration can result in clogging of the
irrigation system and crop damage.
WARNING
—
Filters should never be tested or subjected to air or gas under pressure. All gases are compressible
and under pressure create a danger. Severe bodily injury or property damage could occur if the filter
is subjected to air or gas pressure.
1. Check carton for any evidence of damage due to rough handling in shipment. If carton or any filter components
are damaged, notify the freight carrier immediately.
2. Carefully remove the accessory package and the filter tank from the carton.
3. Mount the filter on a permanent slab, preferably concrete poured in a form or on a platform constructed of
concrete block or brick. DO NOT use sand to level the filter or for the pump mounting, as it will wash away.
4. Provide space and lighting for routine maintenance access. Do not mount electrical controls over the filter. One
needs to be able to stand clear of the filter when starting the pump. Minimum space requirements may be found
on the large nameplate on the filter.
5. Position filter so that the port locations are in the desired final positions.
6.
Use crushed silica sand in the filter.
Sand and gravel specifications – be certain the proper sand and gravel
is used as described in Table 2. Before pouring the sand or gravel into the filter, look inside and check the lower
under-drain for broken or loose laterals (SEE item 15 on page 110), which may have been accidentally damaged
by rough handling during shipment. Replace any broken parts if necessary.
USE #20 CRUSHED SILICA
SAND IN THE FILTERS. More coarse crushed silica sand may be used if required by the irrigation
device.
NOTE:
The free board distance (distance between sand/gravel mixture and the top of the filter tank) is the most
important variable and should be maintained. Sand and gravel density will vary and therefore sand and gravel
amount are given as a reference.
‡
Pea Gravel to be 3/8” to 1/8” diameter.
*
Sand to be No. 20 crushed silica
Table 2.
"X" FREE BOARD
SAND & GRAVEL
L
E
D
O
M
D
R
A
O
B
E
E
R
F
"
X
"
†
A
I
D
E
M
R
E
T
L
I
F
)
S
D
N
U
O
P
(
‡
L
E
V
A
R
G
A
E
P
D
N
A
S
0
4
C
A
"
4
/
1
8
0
5
5
2
1
0
6
C
A
"
2
/
1
0
1
0
5
5
7
2
0
0
1
C
A
"
4
/
1
1
1
0
5
1
0
5
4
0
4
1
C
A
"
2
/
1
3
1
5
7
2
0
5
6
The pressure will rise and the flow to the irrigation system will be lowered as the dirt is collected in the filter.
Eventually, the filter will become so plugged with dirt that it will be necessary to perform the backwash procedure.
It is important to know when to backwash the filter. Backwashing is discussed further under the subsequent sections
of this guide.
Please note that a filter removes suspended matter and does not sanitize the irrigation water. The irrigation water
must be sanitized and the water must be treated to remove organic materials and other contaminants. Your
filtration system should be designed to meet your local codes. It is recommended that the filtration system be
designed to provide the full water requirements of the irrigation system even during backflushing.