User Manual

4
Tagelus
®
Sand Filter Installation and User’s Guide
Section 2
Maintenance
This section describes how to maintain your Tagelus
®
Sand Filter.
Filter Care
The filter is a very important part of the pool equipment and installation. Proper care and maintenance will add many
years of service and enjoyment to the pool. Follow these suggestions for long trouble-free operation:
1. To clean the exterior of the filter of dust and dirt, wash with a mild detergent and water then hose off. Do not
use solvents.
2. If internal maintenance is required, sand may be removed by removing the entire drain spigot from the bottom
of the filter and flushing with a garden hose. Pentair Water Pool and Spa’s Sand Vacuum P/N 542090 may
also be used.
3. If, after a number of years, the filter tank appears foggy in color or rough in texture, the tank surface can be
painted. We recommend the use of a Quick Dry Spray Enamel. Do NOT paint the VALVE.
WARNING — Always visually inspect filter components during normal servicing to ensure structural safety. Replace
any item which is corroded, deformed or otherwise visually defective. Defective filter components
can allow the filter top or attachments to blow off and could cause severe bodily injury or property
damage.
4. The valve clamp used on your Tagelus
®
Sand Filter was manufactured with high quality corrosion resistant
materials. The manufacturing process could allow sharp edges to be present on htthe parts. When working
around the clamp, use caution to prevent potential injury to fingers or hands from contact with sharp edges.
5. Your filter is a pressure vessel and should never be serviced while under pressure. Always relieve tank pressure
and open air bleeder on the Tagelus
®
Valve before attempting to service your filter.
6. When restarting your filter, always open the manual air bleeder on the Tagelus
®
Valve and stand clear of the
filter.
Cleaning Frequency
1. The filter on a new pool should be backwashed, and cleaned after approximately 48 hours of operation to clean
out plaster dust and/or construction debris.
2. 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 the 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 less accurate indicator is to backwash when the filter gauge reading increases
10 PSI over the initial (clean filter) reading.
3. It is important not to backwash the filter solely on a timed basis such as every three 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 backwash. As you use your pool, you
will become aware of these influences.
4. If, at any time, the starting pressure after backwashing the filter indicates 4 to 6 PSI higher than normal starting
pressure, it is time to perform a chemical cleaning procedure.