Assemble pump and pump mounting base (if supplied) to
the filter according to instructions packed with the base.
Loading sand media. Filter sand media is loaded through
the top opening of the filter.
Remove the top diffuser from the internal diffuser
elbow pipe and place flexible automatic air relief tube
to the side, out of the way, inside the tank.
Cap the internal diffuser elbow pipe with sand shield
provided to prevent sand from entering it.
It is good practice to fill 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 drain cap
is securely in place on drain pipe.Apply wrench to flats
on pipe when tightening cap.) Note: Check to
confirm all laterals are in the down position before
loading with sand. (See Figure A on Page 2.)
Carefully pour in correct amount and grade of filter
sand, as specified. Sand surface should be leveled
and should come to about the center of the flange of
the filter tank. Use no more than the recommended
amount of sand.
Remove sand shield from internal diffuser elbow pipe.
Replace diffuser on internal diffuser elbow pipe,
positioning automatic air relief tube through the hole
provided in the diffuser. Align tab on diffuser with slot
in pipe and gently press down.
Carefully clean off top seal O-ring and screw access
dome, with manual air relief, securely into the filter
head.
Connect pump to control valve opening marked PUMP
according to instructions. 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 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. This initial backwashing of the filter is recom-
mended 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 6-8 PSI
(0.41-0.55 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 6-8 PSI (0.41-0.55 BAR) above start-up (clean
pressure):
Stop the pump, set valve to BACKWASH. Start pump and
backwash approximately 2 minutes or less depending on
dirt accumulation until water in sight glass is clear. 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.
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