Cleaning; Filter And Control Valve Functions - Pentair STA-RITE SAND DOLLAR Installation And User Manual

Cleaning

1. The filter on a new pool should be backwashed, and cleaned after
the first 48 hours of operation to clean out construction debris.
There are three different ways to identify when the filter needs
backwashing:
a) The most accurate indicator on pool systems with a flow
meter is to backwash when the flow decreases 30% from
original (clean filter) flow. For example, if the original flow
was 60 GPM, the filter should be backwashed when the flow
is reduced by about 20 GPM (or 30%) to 40 GPM.
b) A more subjective and less accurate indicator is to observe
the amount of water flowing from the flow directionals located
in the wall of the pool. The filter should be backwashed once
it is detected that the flow has been reduced.
c) The most commonly used, but least accurate indicator is
to backwash when the filter gauge reading increases 10
psi over the initial (clean filter) reading.
2. It is important not to backwash the filter solely on a timed basis
such as every three (3) days. It is also important to note that
backwashing too frequently actually causes poor filtration. Factors
like weather conditions, heavy rains, dust or pollen, and water
temperatures all affect the frequency of backwashing. As you use
your pool, you will become aware of these influences.

Filter and Control Valve Functions

FILTER: From pump, through valve, downward through filter sand bed,
up through center pipe to valve return port, and back to the pool for
normal filter action and vacuuming pool through filter.
BACKWASH: From pump, through valve, down through center pipe, up
through filter sand to valve, and out waste port. This position is used for
cleaning filter by reversing flow.
RINSE: From pump, through valve, downward through filter sand, up
through center pipe to valve and out waste port. This position is used
for start up cleaning and resettling filter bed after backwashing.
WASTE: From pump, through valve, bypasses filter and goes to waste
port. This position is for vacuuming directly to waste, lowering pool
level, or draining pool.
CLOSED: NO FLOW IN THIS POSITION - DO NOT USE THIS
SETTING WHILE PUMP IS OPERATING.
RECIRCULATE: From pump, through valve, bypasses filter and goes
to return port and back to pool. This position is for circulating water
without going through filter.
WINTERIZING: Valve position for a winterized filter, see page 10.
SAND DOLLAR and CRISTAL-FLO™ II Top Mount Sand Filter Installation and User's Guide
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