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This section describes how to maintain your Aqua-Clear Fiberglass Sand Filter.
Filter Care
The filter is a very important part of the system equipment and installation. Proper care and maintenance will add
many years of service to the system. Follow these suggestions for long trouble-free operations:
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 sand drain from the bottom of the filter
and flushing with a garden hose.
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
4. The filter closure on your Aqua-Clear Sand Filter was manufactured with high quality corrosion resistant
materials. This part should be carefully inspected whenever servicing your filter. If excessive leakage is
noted coming from the closure/tank interface, the closure and o-ring should be carefully inspected and
replaced if any signs of deterioration exist.
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 filter closure before attempting to service your filter.
6. When restarting your filter, always open the manual air bleeder on the filter closure and stand clear of the filter.
Cleaning
1. The filter should be backwashed when one of the following conditions is met:
a. A second pressure gauge, installed downstream of the filter, should be compared to the pressure gauge
located on the filter tank. The downstream pressure gauge should read a lower pressure under normal
conditions due to pressure lost in the filter. If this normal pressure differential increases 6 lbs., the filter
should be backwashed.
3. In addition, the filter should be backwashed on a regular basis depending on need. In order to determine the
minimum frequency of backwashing, start backwashing after every 8 hours of operation. If the backwash
water is clear, then the frequency can be extended. Keep in mind that factors like weather conditions, heavy
rains, algae blooms, groundwater levels and water temperature all affect the frequency of backwash. As you
use your irrigation system, 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, inspect the sand for chemical or physical changes from its original condition. Raking of the sand or
replacement of the sand may be required.
Filter Procedure
1. Turn pump OFF.
2. Handles of the 3-way valves are to be set vertically (straight up and down)
3. Lock the handles in place by using the thumb screw lock
4. Note: Water enters the PVC tee located between the two 3-way valves. Water outlet to the field exits from
the threaded PVC tee located on the bottom manifold
5. Note: If water comes out of the upper manifold you are backflushing, not filtering. Turn the 3-way valve so
that the word "OFF" is at the top of the 3-way valve.
any item which is cracked, 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.
(see diagram on page 8)
Maintenance
Aqua-Clear
™
Fiberglass Sand Filter Installation and User's Guide
7
Section 3
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