How To Install a Pool Sand Filter

Step by Step

Step 1

Before starting installation, you will need to purchase sand. Use only high rate No. 20 Silica Sand. An example is pictured at left.Check the manufacturer to determine the amount required. This unit (Hayward S180T) uses 3 50 lb bags of sand - 150 lbs total.You can also purchase our superior to sand Click here for our Sand Alternative.

Step 2When installing the pool sand filter, you will connect it right after the pump. Pool water will come in through the pool pump, befiltered through the sand filter and released to the chlorinator before returning back to the pool. If you have a pool heater, the poolfilter will release water to the heater before going to the chlorinator.

Step 3The pool filter should be installed on a level concrete slab not more than 6 feet above the pool water level. Position the pool sandfilter so that the piping connections, multiport valve and drain are convenient and accessible for operation and maintenance.Place the filter next to pump.

Step 4

Before you connect the pool sand filter into the piping system, you have to assemble the filter. First screw the pressure gauge tothe 1/4" hole on the side of the filter. If the threads aren't prepared, wrap them with two layers of Teflon tape. Start in a clockwisedirection at the first thread with a half width overlap for the full length of the thread. Be careful when screwing the gauge on. Use awrench on the square nut on the final turns.

Step 5

Make sure drain cap is securely in place.

Step 6

Fill tank about 1/2 way full with water to provide a cushion when the sand is poured in. This will help protect the laterals.

Step 7

Next you will be installing pipe and lateral assembly inside the tank. Separate the valve from the pipe and lateral assembly. Alsomake sure the 10 laterals at the end of the pipe are rotated up. They have to be in their up position to fit through the hole in thetop of the tank. These laterals are somewhat fragile. Ensure that none are cracked or broken. Place the pipe and lateralassembly inside the tank.

Step 8

After the lateral assembly is inside, carefully rotate the 10 laterals 90 degrees in their down position.

Step 9

Make use the pipe is centered in the opening. Tape the top of the pipe to prevent sand from entering and clogging the laterals.

Step 10

The sand filter package comes with a cardboard sand shield. Place this over the pipe and within the opening.

Step 11

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Pour sand carefully into the pool sand filter until laterals are fully covered. For this unit 3 bags should leave at least 6" spacebetween the top of the sand and the top of the filter. Level sand as you pour and make sure the center pipe remains centered inthe opening. Be careful when leveling the sand that you do not lift the pipe and lateral assemble up off the bottom of the tank.You will not be able to push the pipe back down without causing the laterals to rotate up.

Step 12

Lightly lubricate the valve/tank O-ring with a silicon lubricant and place it on the underside of the valve.

Step 13

Remove tape from top of pipe. Slip the Multiport control valve onto the central pipe - check the O-ring to ensure it is positionedcorrectly.

Step 14

Install clamp around the tank and valve flange. Loosely tighten clamp so that the valve can be rotated on the tank for finalpositioning.

Step 15

The next step is to connect the "PUMP" port of the multiport valve to discharge side of pump. You will need to screw a straightthread adapter (purchased at a hardware store) into the "PUMP" port. To help seal this connection wrap two layers of Teflon tape

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the adapters. Start in a clockwise direction at the first thread with a half width overlap for the full length of the thread.

Step 16

Screw the adapter into the "PUMP" port. Hand tighten than wrench tighten no more than 1/2 to 1 1/2 additional turns. Do not overtighten or you cause the joint to fail.

Step 17

Cut a short piece of pipe and glue it to the adapter. Make sure the pipe and inside of the adapter are clean. Gluing is a two-stepprocess. First apply a thin but even coat of purple primer on each surface to be joined: the outside of the pipe and the inside ofthe adapter. After the primer dries, apply a thin even coat of glue to both surfaces. Immediately push the pipe all the way into theadapter and twist 1/4 turn to spread the glue. Wait 30 seconds for the glue to set.

Step 18

Glue on a union to facilitate future maintenance on the pool sand filter or pump. In 5-7 years you will have to disconnect themultiport valve from the tank to change the filter sand. A union will save you from having to cut it out of the piping.

Step 19

Screw another adapter into the discharge side of the pump then add piping and elbows required to connect the filter and pumpports.

Step 20

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Connect the "RETURN" port to a line returning to the pool. In a basic system this connection will probably be to the Chlorinator.Also add a union to this line for future maintenance.

Step 21

Connect up the "WASTE" port up to a waste water hose. Note: This picture does not show the water hose.

Step 22

Tighten multiport valve flange clamp with a screwdriver. Tap around the clamp with the screwdriver handle as you are tighteningthe clamp to help seat the clamp properly. Place vinyl protector caps over the ends of the screws.

Step 23Your new pool sand filter should now be ready to operate. Generally you would want to backwash the sand filter now, but if youhave a new concrete of gunite pool, or have a large amount of dust or debris, start the filter in the "FILTER" setting initially (NOT"BACKWASH") to prevent clogging the laterals. After a couple of hours on FILTER, go to the next step and start theBACKWASH cycle.

Step 24

With the pump OFF, depress the multiport valve handle fully and turn it to the "BACKWASH" position. Make sure that yourwaste line is rolled out to where you want to dump the pool waste water.

Step 25Prime and turn ON the pool pump. Be sure that you have at least one suction and all discharge lines open.

Step 26Run the pool pump for 2 minutes after you have a steady flow of water out the waste line (after the pump is fully primed). This willflush all the impurities or fine sand particles out of the sand media.

Step 27

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Turn the pool pump OFF and turn the valve handle to "RINSE".

Step 28

Turn the pump back ON and run until the water in the sight glass is clear. This should take no more than 1 minute.

Step 29

Turn the pool pump OFF and turn the valve handle to "FILTER".

Step 30Turn the pool pump ON. This is the normal operating mode for your filter. Note the pressure gauge reading. This is your cleansand filter pressure. As contaminates build up and clog your sand the pressure will climb. When it is 8-10 psi above your cleanfilter reading, it's time again to backwash your filter.

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