Jacuzzi Avalanche Owner's Manual And Installation Manual

E-1686 1/99

D.E. Filter System

Owner’s Manual and Installation Guide

Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most user­friendly pool filter systems available. Jacuzzi is a leader in providing
superior products, combining easy installation and simple service.

This filter system manufactured by Jacuzzi Bros. will provide you
with many years of pool enjoyment. Ideal for above-ground or inground
pools, your filter system with the Ring-Lok filter and Ring -Lok pump,
allows you to easily clean the filter grids and the pump strainer basket
without any tools.

This step-by-step installation and maintenance guide will provide
the necessary information for you to install your new pool system and
easily maintain the equipment.

12401 Interstate 30 P.O. Box 8903 Little Rock, AR 72219-8903 Telephone: [phone]

Introduction:

INSIDE:

Setting Up your Equipment...........................4-5

Plumbing The System To Your Pool..................6

Starting Your System......................................7-8

Filter Regeneration.......................................9-11

Cleaning The Pump Strainer ......................12-13

Winterizing Y our Filter System.......................21

Water Maintenance..........................................21

Filter System Parts Breakdown......................22

Troubleshooting.........................................23-24

Manufacturer’s Warranty.................................25

Cleaning The D.E. Grid Cassette...............14-20

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Warns about hazard that CAN cause serious personal injury and
property damage if ignored.

(For cord and plug connected units.) Do not bury cord. Locate
cord to minimize abuse from lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and
other lawn equipment.

(For cord and plug connected units) To reduce the risk of electric
shock, replace damaged cord immediately.

(For cord and plug connected units.) Risk of electric shock.
Connect only to a grounding type receptacle protected by a
ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Contact a qualified
electrician if you cannot verify that the receptacle is protected by
a GFCI.

(For cord and plug connected units) To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not use an extension cord to connect unit to electric
supply; provide a properly located outlet.

To guard against low voltage which can damage the pump motor,
use minimum wire gauge shown below:

Wire Length
HP 50 Ft. 100Ft.

3/4 #14G #12G
1 #12G #10G

If filter Ring-Lok is removed or adjusted under pressure the filter
cover may blow off, causing injury or property damage.

2

Contents of carton:

123

123

123

123

123

3

3

3

Pump

What you should have:

D.E. Filter

Base

Tools you will need:

For most installations all you will need are (a) screw­driver (b) wide mouth pliers and (c) adjustable
wrench.

Grommet Nut
(pump mount)

Bolt (pump mount)

2

2

2

(a) (b) (c)

Refer to information on motor nameplate for electrical
service data. If the pump on your system is supplied
with a 3-prong twist lock 115V plug, then the appro­priate female receptacle should be installed. For

systems with a standard 3-prong 115V plug, we
recommend a grounded receptacle be installed with
a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter having a

fused disconnect switch or circuit breaker and wire
size large enough for pump horsepower and distance
from power source. Wiring should be done in accor­dance with applicable codes by a competent electri­cian.

Electrical Data:

Electrical Data

3-prong twist-lock plug Standard 3-prong plug

3

Setting up your system:

Step 1

Install threaded end of interconnect pipe into
the filter “INLET .” Tighten until O-ring seals
against filter.

NOTE: Be sure union nut is placed on inter­connect pipe before it is threaded into filter .
Threads on union nut should face away from
the filter.

Step 2

Place filter on base in upright position with
interconnect pipe facing the pump position.
Press firmly down on filter , pushing it down
into base.

Step 3

Be sure that O-ring is firmly seated in O-ring
groove in the end of interconnect pipe.

O-Ring

4

Step 4

Push the grommet nuts into the pre-drilled
holes in the system base. Use the illustration
at the right to ensure the correct holes are
used. Position the pump on the base and
connect the union nut on the interconnect
pipe to the pump discharge and hand tighten
only. Install the supplied pump bolts into the
grommet nuts to secure the pump to the base.

TIP: Do not fully tighten pump bolts until
system set-up is complete.

NOTE: Some systems come with grommet
nuts, or equivalent, factory installed.

Setting up your system:

Step 5

Be certain that the filter cover is pushed
completely down and the Ring-Lok nut is
tightened to the “built-in stops” and yellow
safety latch is engaged.

If the Ring-Lok nut is not
tightened so yellow safety
latch is engaged, the filter
cover may blow off causing
injury or property damage.

Step 6

Carefully install the pressure gauge into the
filter cover after wrapping the brass threads
with 4 wraps of teflon tape (Note: Some
gauges have teflon tape factory installed.)

TIP: Install pressure gauge only hand tight
plus 1/4 turn.

5

Typical above-ground pool connection:

6

System startup:

CAUTION:

filled with water (primed).
IMPORTANT: This filter is a diatomaceous earth (D.E.) type filter and requires D.E. in order to

operate. DO NOT OPERA TE FILTER WITHOUT D.E.

Water acts as a coolant for the seal. Do not operate your pump until it has been

For above-ground pools with system below
the pool water level.

Air bleed valve

Step 1

Open the air bleed valve on top of the filter to
allow captured air to escape. When a steady
stream of water appears, close valve.

NOTE: If optional shut-off valves are installed
be sure that both valves are fully opened.

Step 2

Mix diatomaceous earth in a bucket of water .
See Chart for appropriate amounts. The D.E.
scoop this is supplied with your system
should be used for measuring. Set bucket of
D.E. mixture aside.

Filter Scoops of D.E.
AV40 3
AV60 4
AV80 5

Step 3

Turn the motor on by plugging the unit into a
grounded electrical receptacle.

The use of an extension cord may
result in a severe voltage drop which
could cause damage or shorten the
service life of your pump motor.

7

System startup:

Step 4

Open air bleed valve to release any additional
trapped air . When a steady stream of water
appears, close the valve.

Step 5

Pour D.E. mixture into pool skimmer slowly to
allow D.E. to be pumped into the filter for
coating. Allow 3-5 minutes for grids to coat
sufficiently .

IMPORTANT: Do not operate filter for
extended periods without D.E.

Step 6

The filter is equipped with a pressure gauge
to assist in determining when the filter grid
cassette should be cleaned. Note the gauge
reading when filter is started up, “CLEAN.” As
the filter becomes dirty, the needle will move
to the right. When the needle has moved 10
psi above the “CLEAN” reading, regenerate
the D.E. (see FILTER REGENERATION pages
9-10.)

8

Filter regeneration:

NOTE: Regeneration of the D.E. filter is done to extend the filter cycle before
cleaning of the grid cassette becomes necessary. If a 10 p.s.i. increase is indi­cated by the filter pressure gauge, follow the filter regeneration steps below.

If filter Ring-Lok is removed or adjusted under pressure, the filter cover
may blow off, causing injury or major property damage.

Step 1

Unplug the pump cord. However, if the system
has not been operating, plug pump cord into
3-prong grounded electrical receptacle, allow
to run for 5 to 8 minutes, then unplug pump
cord.

NOTE: Do not attempt to regenerate filter
while pump is running.

Step 2

Grasp wiper handle on top of filter . D.E. cake
may prevent easy up and down movement of
wiper plates. To dislodge the D.E. cake, pump
the handle up and down until it moves freely.
Several pumps may be necessary to initiate
any movement of the regenerative system.

9

Filter regeneration:

Step 3

When full stroke is obtained, slowly move
handle up and down 4 to 5 times, then return
wiper blades to bottom position of stroke.

Step 4

Plug pump into 3 prong grounded electrical
receptacle. Note pressure reading. If pressure
gauge reading increases 10 p.s.i. within 72
hours, grid cassette must be cleaned. Follow
“cleaning the D.E. grid cassette,” instructions
on page 13-20.

10

Cleaning the pump strainer:

To avail electrical shock, unplug the pump before performing
any service or maintenance.

If filter Ring-Lok is removed or adjusted under pressure, the
filter cover may blow off, causing injury or major property
damage.

Step 1

For above-ground pools with the filter system located below the pool water level.

Your system is full of water. If you remove the pump strainer cover, water will run

STOP

out freely from your pool. Y ou must close the shut-off valves, if installed, or make
provisions to stop the flow of water from your pool. To remove the water that is
still captured in your system, drain the filter tank before proceeding.

Unplug the pump cord.

OR

For in-ground pools with the filter system located above the pool water level.

Your system is full of water. If you remove the pump strainer cover before drain-

STOP

Step 2

Drain the filter tank by first removing the
drain cap and
valve. Replace the drain cap once filter is
drained.

ing the filter tank, water in the filter tank will flow out of the pump freely and dirty
water may run back into your pool.

2nd Air bleed valve

then opening the air bleed

1st Drain cap

TIP: A hose bib and garden hose can be
connected to allow drainage into a conve­nient area.

Step 3

Unscrew the strainer RING-LOK nut and re­move the clear strainer cover .

CAUTION: Some remaining water may spill
out of the strainer body when the clear
strainer cover is removed.

11

Cleaning the pump strainer:

Step 4

Lift the basket out of the strainer and remove
the debris. Reinstall the basket.

Step 5

Clean the o-ring on the clear strainer lid and
re-lubricate with petroleum jelly. Also, clean
all surfaces that come in contact with the o­ring to assure a good seal.

Step 6

Replace the clear cover and strainer Ring-Lok.
HAND TIGHTEN ONL Y. Open the optional
valves if installed.

You are now ready to perform the system start-up (see pages 7-8).

12

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

To avoid electrical shock, unplug the pump before performing
any service or maintenance.

If filter Ring-Lok is removed or adjusted under pressure, the
filter cover may blow off, causing injury or major property
damage.

Step 1

For above-ground pools with the filter system located below the pool water level.

Your system is full of water. If you remove the pump strainer cover, water will run

STOP

out freely from your pool. Y ou must close the shut-of f valves, if installed, or make
provisions to stop the flow of water from your pool. To remove the water that is
still captured in your system, drain the filter tank before proceeding.

Unplug the pump cord.

OR

For in-ground pools with the filter system located above the pool water level.

Your system is full of water. If you open the filter air bleed valve or remove the

STOP

filter cover before draining the filter tank, dirty water may run back into
your pool.

2nd Air bleed valve

Step 2

Drain the filter tank by first removing the drain
cap and

then opening the air bleed valve.

1st Drain cap

TIP: A hose bib and garden hose can be con­nected to allow drainage into a convenient
area.

Step 3

Unscrew the wiper handle and set aside. Then
loosen the air bleed valve. (It is not necessary
to remove air-bleed valve.)

Wiper Handle

13

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

Step 4

Press down on yellow safety latch and rotate
the large Ring-Lok nut counter-clockwise.
Using both hands continue to unscrew the
Ring-Lok nut. Remove and set aside.

Step 5

Remove the cover by pulling upward on the
handles, rocking gently if necessary.

NOTE: Be sure not to bend the threaded wiper
rod protruding from the top of the filter cover .

Step 6

Grasp the two lifting straps and lift the grid
cassette out of the filter tank. Rocking gently
if necessary.

14

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

15

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

16

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

17

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

Ensure plastic spacer is inserted into collar on the
support plate.

NOTE: Some models have a plastic buckle in
place of the velcro. Once the straps are in place,
pull upward on the buckle to tighten the straps.

18

Step 19

Align wiper rod to fit through hole in top of
the cover. Place the cover on the filter body
and press firmly downward until the cover
comes to a stop against the filter body.

TIP: It is easier to replace the filter cover if the
air bleed valve is open.

Cleaning the D.E. grid cassette:

Step 20

Clean the threads of the Ring-Lok nut and the
threads on the filter body with water or a
cloth. Place the Ring-Lok nut on the filter and
tighten to the “built-in stops.” Be sure that the
yellow safety latch is engaged.

If the Ring-Lok nut is not tightened to built-in
stops, the filter cover may blow off causing
injury or property damage.

Step 21

Tighten air bleed valve into cover . Screw
wiper handle on to exposed threads of wiper
rod.

You are now ready to perform the system start-up (see pages 7-8).

19

Winterizing the filter system:

To avoid electrical shock, unplug the pump before performing
any service or maintenance.

If filter Ring-Lok is removed or adjusted under pressure, the
filter cover may blow off, causing injury or major property
damage.

Step 1

Unplug the pump cord.

For above-ground pools with the filter system located below the pool water level.

You must drain the water in the pool below the skimmer and inlet fitting. Follow

STOP

Step 2

Drain the filter tank by first removing the drain
cap and then opening the air bleed valve.
Replace the drain cap once filter is drained.

TIP: A hose bib and garden hose can be con­nected to allow drainage into a convenient
area.

pool manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing the pool. Your system is
full of water . To remove the water that is still captured in your piping and system,
drain the filter tank before proceeding.

2nd Air bleed valve

1st Drain cap

Step 3

Drain the pump strainer and pump case by
loosening the plug shown. The pump will
drain without completely removing the plugs
from the pump.

NOTE: If temperatures in the winter are se­vere, you may choose to disconnect your
filter system from the pool and move it to a
protected area.

Water maintenance:

A proper and consistent use of chemicals is necessary
to maintain clean, sanitary water, to prevent a spread of
germ infection and control the growth of algae which
can spoil the appearance and enjoyment of your pool
or spa. See your pool professional for proper chemical
maintenance.

Drain plug

20

21

of your equipment makes him the best qualified source

. Reassemble

22

Manufacturer’ s Warranty:

JACUZZI LIMITED W ARRANTY

Jacuzzi Bros. Division (JBD) warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of purchase or 3
years from date of manufacture, whichever comes first; Jacuzzi Bros. also provides additional warranty coverage on specific products as specified herein.

Magnum Force pumps- 12 years limited: the case, RingLoks, impeller, diffuser, seal plate, and pump lid have 5 years full and 7 years pro-rated
thereafter; the o-rings, basket, seal and other hardware have one full year from the date of installation. The motor carries a 3 year original manufacturer’s
warranty.

Cygnet pumps- 10 years limited; the case, RingLoks, impeller, diffuser, seal plate, and pump lid have 5 years full and 5 years pro-rated thereafter; the
o-rings, basket, seal and other hardware have one full year from the date of installation. The motor carries a 3 year original manufacturer’s warranty.

LR pumps- 4 years limited: the case, RingLoks, impeller, diffuser, seal plate, and pump lid have 2 years full and 2 years pro-rated thereafter; the o­rings, basket, seal and other hardware have one full year from the date of installation. The motor carries a 1 year original manufacturer’s warranty.

SherLok filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; all internal components have one full
year from date of installation.

TriCLOPS filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; all internal components have one full
year from date of installation.

Avalanche filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; all internal components have one full
year from date of installation.

EarthWorks filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; the valve and all other components
have one full year from date of installation.

Laser filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; the valve and other internal components
have one full year from date of installation.

SandStorm filters- 12 years limited: the tank body and RingLok have 5 full years and 7 years pro-rated thereafter; the valve and other internal
components have one full year from date of installation.

JBD’s warranty obligation with regard to equipment not of its own manufacture is limited to the warranty actually extended to JBD by its suppliers.
Performance of equipment is further warranted to be in accordance with stated ratings when properly installed under normal conditions of operation.

This warranty extends only to the original retail purchaser and only during the time in which the original retail purchaser occupies the site where the
product was originally installed. The product warranty card must be on file with Jacuzzi Bros. to qualify for the additional warranty coverage listed

above. Otherwise, Jacuzzi Bros. is limited to paragraph one above.

Warranty claims shall be made by contacting the installing JBD dealer (point of purchase) as soon as possible after the discovery of any alleged defect. If
the claim is determined to be valid, JBD will take corrective action as promptly as reasonably possible.

JBD at its discretion may replace or repair any product that fails under this warranty after inspection by an authorized company representative or after JBD
has received the product at our factory. Replacement or repair cannot be made until after the product is inspected. All charges or expenses for freight to and
from the factory, removal and reinstallation of the product, or installation of a replacement product are the responsibility of the purchaser.

THIS WARRANTY IS EFFECTIVE JANUAR Y 1, 1998. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH THE PURCHASER MAY HA VE, INCLUDING MERCHANT­ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD. Some states do
not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL JBD BE LIABLE
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above may not apply to you.

This warranty applies to products used in swimming pool, spa, & aquaculture applications only and does not apply to any product which has been
subjected to negligence, alteration, accident, abuse, misuse, improper installation, vandalism, civil disturbances, or acts of God (including but not limited to
freeze damage, lightening strikes, and other damage caused by catastrophic events). The only warranties authorized by JBD are those set forth herein. JBD
does not authorize other persons to extend any warranties with respect to its products, nor will JBD assume liability for any unauthorized warranties made in
connection with the sale of its products.

Products carrying a pro-rated warranty will be replaced using the following percentages against the list price in effect at the time of replacement:
12 year limited warranty - Magnum Force pumps, SherLok, TriCLOPS, Avalanche, EarthWorks, Laser, SandStorm filters.

year 6 = 50% year 7 = 40% year 8 = 30% year 9 = 20% year 10 = 15% year 11 = 10% year 12 = 5%
10 year limited warranty - Cygnet pumps

year 6 = 50% year 7 = 40% year 8 = 30% year 9 = 20% year 10 = 10%
4 year limited warranty - LR pumps

year 3 = 40% year 4 = 25%

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FORM ST ATE TO STA TE.

12401 Interstate 30 P.O. Box 8903 Little Rock, AR 72219-8903 Telephone: [phone]