Loading sand media. Filter sand media is loaded through
the top opening of the filter.
Loosen flange clamp and remove Filter Control Valve
(if previously installed).
Cap internal pipe with sand shield to prevent sand
from entering it. Be sure pipe is securely in place in
bottom underdrain hub.
We recommend filling tank approximately 1/2 way with
water to provide a cushioning effect when the filter
sand is poured in. This helps protect the underdrain
laterals from excessive shock. (Be sure the winter
drain cap is securely in place on drain pipe).
Carefully pour in correct amount and grade of filter
sand, as specified. (Be sure center pipe remains
centered in opening). Sand surface should be leveled
and should come to about the middle of the filter tank.
Remove sand shield from internal pipe.
Assemble Filter Control Valve to filter tank.
Place stainless steel valve flange clamp around neck
of tank. Do not tighten. Wipe filter flange clean.
Insert Filter Control Valve (with valve/flange O-ring in
place) into the tank neck, taking care that the center
pipe slips into the hole in the bottom of the valve.
Place clamp around valve flange and tank flange just
enough so that the valve may be rotated on tank for
final positioning.
Carefully screw pressure gauge, with pipe tape, into
1/4
”
tapped hole in valve body. Do not overtighten.
Connect pump to control valve opening marked PUMP
according to instructions. After connections are made,
tighten valve flange clamp with screwdriver, tapping
around clamp with screwdriver handle to help seat
valve flange clamp.
Make return to pool pipe connection to control valve
opening marked RETURN and complete other necessary
plumbing connections, suction lines to pump, waste, etc.
Make electrical connections to pump per pump
instructions.
To prevent water leakage, be sure winter drain cap is
securely in place and all pipe connections are tight.
INITIAL START-UP OF FILTER
Be sure correct amount of filter sand media is in tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
Depress Vari-Flo control valve handle and rotate to
BACKWASH* position. (To prevent damage to control
valve seal, always depress handle before turning.)
Prime and start pump according to pump instructions (be
sure all suction and return lines are open), allowing the
filter tank to fill with water. CAUTION: All suction and
discharge valves must be open when starting the
system. Failure to do so could cause severe
personal injury and/or property damage. Once water
flow is steady out the waste line, run the pump for at least
2 minutes. The initial backwashing of the filter is
recommended to remove any impurities or fine sand
particles in the sand media.
Turn pump off and set valve to RINSE position. Start
pump and operate until water in sight glass is
clear—about 1/2 to 1 minute. Turn pump off, set valve to
FILTER position and restart pump. Your filter is now
operating in the normal filter mode, filtering particles from
the pool water.
Adjust pool suction and return valves to achieve desired
flow. Check system and filter for water leaks and tighten
connections, bolts, nuts, as required.
Note the initial pressure gauge reading when the filter is
clean. (It will vary from pool to pool depending upon the
pump and general piping system). As the filter removes
dirt and impurities from the pool water, the accumulation
in the filter will cause the pressure to rise and flow to
diminish. When the pressure gauge reading is 8-10 PSI
(0.55-0.69 BAR) higher than the initial “clean” pressure
you noted, it is time to backwash (clean) the filter (see
BACKWASH under Filter Control Valve Functions.)
NOTE: During initial clean-up of the pool water it may
be necessary to backwash frequently due to the
unusually heavy initial dirt load in the water.
IMPORTANT: To prevent unnecessary strain on piping
system and valving, always shut off pump before
switching Filter Control Valve positions.
To prevent damage to the pump and filter and for proper
operation of the system, clean pump strainer and skimmer
baskets regularly.
FILTER CONTROL VALVE FUNCTIONS
FILTER—Set valve to FILTER for normal filtering. Also use for
regular vacuuming.
BACKWASH—For cleaning filter. When filter pressure gauge
rises 8-10 PSI (0.55-0.69 BAR) above start-up (clean
pressure):
Stop the pump, set valve to BACKWASH. Start pump and
backwash until water in sight glass is clear. Approximately 2
minutes or less depending on dirt accumulation. Proceed to
RINSE.
RINSE—After backwashing, with pump off, set valve to RINSE.
Start pump and operate for about 1/2 to 1 minute. This ensures
that all dirty water from backwashing is rinsed out of the filter to
waste, preventing possible return to the pool. Stop pump, set
valve to FILTER, and start pump for normal filtering.
WASTE—To bypass filter for draining or lowering water level
and for vacuuming heavy debris directly to waste.
RECIRCULATE—Water is recirculated through the pool
system, bypassing the filter.
CLOSED—Shuts off flow from pump to filter.
VACUUMING—Vacuuming can be performed directly into the
filter. When vacuuming heavy debris loads, set valve to
WASTE position to bypass the filter and vacuum directly out to
waste.
*NOTE: For new concrete or gunite pools, or where there is a large amount of plaster dust or debris—start filter in FILTER position (not BACKWASH) to prevent clogging of
underdrain laterals.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
