Pentair PLDE48, PLDE36 User Manual

System 2

Modular DE Filter

O W N E R’ S M A N U A L

INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS

MODELS

PLDE36 PLDE48

Sta-Rite Pool/Spa Group

293 Wright Street, Delavan, WI 53115

International: 262-728-5551, FAX: 262-728-7550 www.starite.com

Union City, TN • Delavan, WI • Mississauga, Ont. • Murrieta, CA

This manual should be furnished to the end user of this filter; its use will reduce service calls and chance of injury and will lengthen filter life.

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions.........................................................2

General Information......................................................3

Specifications ...............................................................4

Installation....................................................................5

Initial Startup.............................................................5-6

Filter Disassembly / Assembly ....................................6-7

Module Cleaning Procedure..........................................8

Special Cleaning Instructions ........................................8

System Inspection/Winterizing ......................................9

Repair Parts List ..........................................................10

Troubleshooting Guide................................................11

Warranty ....................................................................12

READ AND FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this

symbol on your filter or in this manual, look for one of the following signal words and be alert to the potential for personal injury.

warns about hazards that will cause death, se-

rious personal injury, or major property damage if ignored.

warns about hazards that can cause death, se-

rious personal injury, or major property damage if ignored.

warns about hazards that will or can cause

minor personal injury or property damage if ignored.

NOTICE indicates special instructions not related to hazards. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in this

manual and on equipment. Keep safety labels in good

condition; replace if missing or damaged.

Incorrectly installed or tested equipment may fail, causing severe injury or property damage. Read and follow instructions in

owner's manual when installing and operating equipment. Have a trained pool professional perform all pressure tests.

1. Do not connect system to a city water system or other

external source of pressurized water.

2. Use equipment only in a pool or spa installation.

3. Trapped air in system can cause explosion. BE SURE all

air is out of system before operating or testing equipment.

Before pressure testing, make the following safety checks:

• Check all clamps, bolts, lids, lock rings and system ac-

cessories before testing.

• Release all air in system before testing.

• Tighten Sta-Rite pump trap lids to 30 ft. lbs. (4.1 kg-cm)

torque for testing.

• Water pressure for test must be less than 25 PSI (172 kPa).

• Water Temperature for test must be less than 100oF.

(38oC).

• Limit test to 24 hours. After test, visually check system

to be sure it is ready for operation. Remove pump trap lid and retighten hand tight only.

NOTICE: These parameters apply to Sta-Rite equipment only. For non-Sta-Rite equipment, consult equipment manufacturer.

Hazardous Pressure!

Can cause tank explosion.

Do not connect filter to compressed air under any circumstances.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Clean a new pool as well as possible before filling pool and operating filter. Excess dirt and large particles of foreign matter in the system can cause serious damage to the filter and pump.

• With a modular Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter in place and operating correctly, clean water is returned to the pool faster than pool water is being contaminated. A typical pool installation will require approximately one week to obtain and maintain the sparkle that your filter is capable of giving you.

• Do not use more than the recommended amount of DE in your filter. Excess DE can cause a buildup of DE and “bridging” between the pleats which will plug the filter.

• Maximum pressure is 50 PSI (345 kPa). DO NOT connect the filter to a city water system or to an individual water well system.

Hazardous pressure. Open air release valve to vent all air from system before operating system. NEVER operate filter with air trapped inside.

• The Sta-Rite modular DE filter is designed to filter water for swimming pools and spas. On a new pool installation, we recommend:

1.Disassemble the filter after the initial cleanup.

Hazardous pressure. To prevent severe in-

jury or major property damage, exactly follow "Filter Disassembly/Assembly Procedure" on Pages 6 and 7.

2.Remove and hose down the element assembly to remove spent DE and contaminants.

• Maintain pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.6.

• Make sure that internal air bleed tube and filter are clean and installed properly at top of module before operating filter.

• Make sure that Posi-Lok™ Ring is securely locked in place before operating filter.

• Maintain pressure gauge in good working order. Replace a damaged gauge immediately.

• Cleaning interval is based on pressure rise, not on length of time filter is operated. Different water conditions will have different normal cleaning intervals.

• Check local codes for restrictions on waste water and DE disposal requirements.

NOTICE: Some pool disinfectants may clog filter module. To maximize module life and filter cycle time, closely follow disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning pool or filter (see Page 7).

Owner’s Information

Serial Number_____________________________________ Dealer ___________________________________________ Dealer’s Telephone # _______________________________ Purchase Date_____________________________________ Installation Date ___________________________________ Pressure Gauge Reading at Startup____________________

When to Clean the Filter

The filter module should normally be cleaned when the pressure gauge reading increases 10 PSI over the start-up pressure (record the start-up pressure under “Owner’s Information”, below, right).

In some pools, accessories such as fountains or pool cleaners may be noticeably affected by the normal decrease in flow as the filter becomes dirty. If so, clean the filter more frequently (that is, at a pressure increase of less than 10 PSI) in order to maintain the required flow.

SPECIFICATIONS

FIGURE 1A – Dimensions in inches (mm)

Table 1 - Recommended DE Manufacturers

Johns Manville Celite 545™ GREFCO, Inc. Decalite 4200™ Eagle-Picher Minerals, Inc. Celatom™

Table 2 - Filter Specifications

PLDE36

Filter Area sq. ft. (m2) 36 (3.3) Lbs. (kg) of DE Used 5.4 lbs. (2.4 kg.) Maximum Flow Rate gpm (L/m) 72 (273) Max. Operating Pressure psi (kPa) 50 (345)

Max. Continuous Water Temperature F(C) 104° (40°)

PLDE48

Filter Area sq. ft. (m2) 48 (4.5) Lbs. (kg) of DE Used 7.2 lbs. (3.3 kg.) Maximum Flow Rate gpm (L/m) 96 (363) Max. Operating Pressure psi (kPa) 50 (345)

Max. Continuous Water Temperature F(C) 104° (40°)

One half pound of DE will fill a one pound coffee can.

FIGURE 2 – Pressure Drop Curve

FIGURE 1B – Piping Connections

Normal Operation

Backwash Mode

45.25

(1150)

PLDE36

(914)

18.5 (470)

7-13/16

(198)

9-3/16

(233)

18.5 (470)

Water Inlet pumped from pool

Water Outlet To Pool

Inlet

Outlet

Pressure drop (PSI)

20 40 60 80

100

PLDE48

Flow (GPM)

Flow out to drain if separation tank is not used.

Water Outlet To Separation Tank

Water Inlet pumped from pool

INSTALLATION

Installation of filter should only be done by qualified, licensed personnel.

Filter Assembly Filter mount must:

• Be solid, level, rigid, vibration free, and provide for adequate drainage.

• Be as close to pool as possible to reduce pressure loss from pipe friction.

• Provide weather and freezing protection.

• Provide adequate ventilation to prevent motor from overheating.

• Provide space and lighting for easy access for servicing pump and piping (See Figure 1, Page 4, for space requirements).

Piping (See Figure 1B for correct connections):

NOTICE: Make sure that the filter and all piping can be

drained for winterizing. See “Winterizing”, Page 9.

• Piping must conform to local/state plumbing and sanitary codes.

• Use teflon tape, Plasto-Joint Stik®1, or Silastic RTV #732®on all male connections of plastic pipe and fittings. DO NOT use pipe compounds on plastic pipe; it

will cause the pipe to crack. Do not use sealant on unions – assemble them dry and hand tight.

• Support pipe independently to prevent strains on filter.

• Fittings restrict flow; for best efficiency use fewest possible fittings.

• For ease of maintenance, Sta-Rite union couplings are provided to connect the piping to the filter inlet and outlet ports.

• Keep piping tight and free of leaks: pump suction line leaks may cause trapped air in filter tank or loss of prime at pump; pump discharge line leaks may show up as dampness or jets of water.

• NOTICE: Overtightening can crack filter ports.

Valves:

• A check valve installed ahead of filter inlet will prevent contaminants from draining back into pool.

• A check valve installed between filter and heater will prevent hot water from backing up into filter and deforming internal components.

• For installation allowing backwashing, install Sta-Rite Two Position Slide Valve or Multiport Selector Valve with filter. See Table 3. If you intend to clean your filter according to “Module Cleaning Procedure”, Page 7, no slide or multi-port valve is required. See Figure 1B, Page 4, for correct water flow when connecting pipe.

• Filter ports and valve ports are furnished with union connections. DO NOT use pipe sealants on union collar (nut).

Lake Chemical Co., Chicago, IL

• Use care before assembly not to damage union sealing surfaces or O-Ring.

• To allow recirculation during precoat (if precoat pot is used), install a recirculation line with shut-off between pad return line and pump suction.

Electrical:

• BE SURE filter grounding and bonding meets local and National Electrical Code standards. All wiring, grounding and bonding of associated equipment must meet local and National Electrical Code Standards.

INITIAL START-UP

Be sure pump is OFF before starting procedure.

Do not operate these filters at more than 50 PSI (345 kPa) under any circumstances!

To prevent serious damage to the element fabric, NEVER run your DE filter without a

diatomaceous earth precoat!

1. Securely lock Posi-Lok™ ring in place by rotating ring

CLOCKWISE until it “clicks” past the safety latch (see Figure 3). Stop turning as soon as the ring clicks past the latch. The ring may feel slightly loose, but it will tighten up when pump is on and filter is under pressure.

2. Fill trap on pump with water.

3. Open air release valve on top of filter.

4. Open isolation valves.

5. Start pump to purge air from system.

6. When steady stream of water comes from air release

Figure 3 – Rotate Posi-Lok™ Ring until tab locks behind the safety latch.

Port Multi-port Valve Plastic Slide Valve Size Part Number Part Number

2" 18201-0300 14935-0300

TABLE 3 - Sta-Rite valves for use with Model PLDE36 and PLDE48 filters

NOTICE: Use of valves other than those listed above

could cause reversed water flow through filters and damage to internal filter components.

Tab

Latch

2149 1195

valve, close the valve. NOTICE: Leaking around the Posi-Lok™ ring may indi-

cate that the ring is not fully locked. In this case, proceed as follows:

a. Stop the pump, close the isolation valves, and

open the air release valve to release any pressure within the filter.

b. Remove the drain plug and drain all water from the

filter.

c. Push down on the top of the filter to fully seat the

upper tank shell.

d. Rotate the Posi-Lok™ clockwise until it locks be-

hind the safety latch (see Figure 3).

e. If the ring was already locked, remove it and the

upper tank shell. Inspect and clean the O-ring and all sealing surfaces. Relubricate the O-ring.

NOTICE: Lubricate O-ring only with the silicone grease provided or equivalent, as other lubricants may cause the ring to swell. DO NOT lubricate Posi-Lok™ ring or threads on lower tank shell as this may collect grit and make removal difficult.

7. To prepare precoat slurry, mix diatomaceous earth (DE) and water. DO NOT use more DE than recommended.

NOTICE: Using more than the recommended amount of DE will clog the filter. Using less than the recommended amount will give an uneven precoat and shorten the life of the element.

8. Empty slurry slowly into skimmer to precoat filter element with an even filtering precoat.

After filter is operating, record filter pressure gauge reading in owner's manual for future use.

NOTICE: When installed on a new pool, after approximately 48 hours of operation disassemble filter and clean out plaster dust , construction debris, etc. (see “Module Cleaning Procedure", Page 8).

CLEANING THE FILTER

When to Clean:

NOTICE: If installation does not allow backwashing, use

module cleaning procedure regularly (see Page 8).

1. With a new filter: a. Record filter operating pressure at startup. When

pressure reaches 10 PSI (69kPa) above startup operation pressure, stop pump for 30-60 seconds to allow filtering cake to release.

b. Restart pump to form new cake. Pressure should

now be less than 10 PSI (69kPa) above startup operating pressure.

c. If pressure is still more than 10 PSI (69kPa) above

startup operating pressure, backwash filter (see below).

2. Thoroughly clean air bleed assembly on top of filter module EVERY time filter is opened. Be sure to remove all debris from screen. Replace screen if damaged.

3. At least twice a year, manually clean filter module according to instructions, Page 8. At least once a year, follow instructions under “Special Cleaning Instructions”, Page 8, as well.

Filter Backwash Procedure:

To prevent equipment damage and possible

injury turn pump OFF before changing valve position. NOTICE: Before backwashing with a separation tank, review

separation tank owner's manual for instructions.

1. Stop pump.

2. Change valve position.

a. If using Multi-port Valve, set it to backwash position. b. If backwashing with a Two Position Slide Valve, push

handle to full down position.

3. Start pump and run it for 3 minutes.

4. Stop pump and open tank bottom side drain. NOTICE: A 1-1/2” drain valve is recommended.

5. Start pump and run 1 minute, backwashing through filter valve and tank drain.

6. STOP PUMP, return filter valve to filter position and close tank drain.

NOTICE: Do not vacuum pool while backwashing filter.

7. Compare pressure reading on gauge with reading recorded after initial startup. The two readings should be very close; if not, do "Module Cleaning Procedure", Page 8.

FILTER DISASSEMBLY/ ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

Hazardous pressure. Before disassembling filter:

1. STOP PUMP.

2. CLOSE isolation valves.

3. OPEN air release valve and drain fitting.

4. WAIT until all pressure is released and water drained from

filter tank and system before loosening Posi-Lok™ Ring.

Disassembly:

1. Stop the pump.

2. Close isolation valves to prevent flooding.

3. Open air release valve on top of filter tank to release all

pressure from inside of tank. NOTICE: Make sure that waste water disposal complies

with local codes and ordinances.

4. Remove drain plug and drain all water from tank.

Hazardous pressure. Can cause severe injury or major property damage from tank blow up.

Release all pressure and read instructions before working on filter.

5. Remove Posi-Lok™ ring as follows: a. Press safety latch (below the ring) toward the tank to

release it (see Figure 4).

b. Hold latch in the release position and rotate ring

COUNTERCLOCKWISE to remove. If ring is difficult to turn, tap gently with a rubber mallet to overcome initial resistance.

NOTICE: DO NOT use screwdriver or bladed instrument that may damage shell surfaces to pry tank shells apart.

6. Separate upper and lower tank shell halves using tabs on bottom of Posi-Lok™ ring. Insert tab into slot located at tank joint and twist ring to pry shell halves apart. See Figures 5 and 6.

7. Remove O-ring from upper tank shell. Inspect for cuts, cracking, deformation or signs of wear; replace if necessary.

NOTICE: To avoid strain or damage, allow filter module to drain before lifting it out of the tank.

SAFETY LATCH (See Figure 7)

The purpose of the safety latch is to hold the Posi-Lok™ ring in the locked position. If the latch is damaged, replace it as follows:

1. Press down on the small catch behind the safety latch and press or tap the latch out of the “Tee” slot in the tank (see Figure 7).

2. Snap the new latch into position. NOTICE: DO NOT operate the filter if the safety latch

is damaged or will not hold the Posi-Lok™ ring in the locked position.

Assembly:

1. Inspect and clean the tank, ring threads and O-ring groove. Replace damaged parts as necessary.

2. Install the filter by placing the port in the bottom of the filter cartridge over the tank outlet port. Push down firmly to seal.

3. Ensure that the air bleed assembly on top of the module is clean and properly mounted.

4. Install the O-ring in the upper tank shell O-ring groove. Be sure that the O-ring is clean and not twisted.

5. Push the upper tank shell into the lower tank shell to compress the O-ring.

6. Place the Posi-Lok™ ring squarely over the tank shell threads and rotate COUNTERCLOCKWISE until the ring falls into the slots; then rotate CLOCKWISE until securely latched.

7. Follow instructions in the “Initial Startup” section of this manual.

Figure 5 – Insert ring tab in slot in filter body.

Figure 4 – Depress safety latch to unscrew Posi-Lok™ Ring.

Figure 6 – Roll ring to one side to loosen upper tank half.

Figure 7 – Safety Latch

RELEASE

Depress Safety Latch to unscrew Posi-Lok™

Small Catch

MODULE CLEANING PROCEDURE

Risk of chemical burns. Do not attempt to

acid clean the filter or module. If the filter requires acid cleaning, have a trained pool professional do the job.

Follow all steps in the “Disassembly” section of this manual. The filter module should be removed and cleaned when

pressure rises more than 10 psi (69 kPa) above startup

pressure. See also “When to Clean the Filter,” below. NOTICE: Do not expose the filter module to sunlight for

any extended period of time. NOTICE: When sanitizing your pool using PHMB (poly-

hexamethylene biquanide based) cleaners, use

only

PHMB cleaners to clean the module. When using PHMB sanitizers, the filter module MUST be cleaned more thoroughly and frequently than for a pool using chlorine. Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Use of any other type of cleansers with PHMB pool sanitizers will void the filter’s warranty.

NOTICE: Avoid washing filter debris into the outlet port. Remove drain plug and flush foreign material from inside of tank before removing filter module.

1. With a hose equipped with a soft flow nozzle, wash as

much dirt as possible off of the filter module while it is still inside the tank. Allow tank to drain completely.

2. Make sure that the inside of the tank is clean. Lift out

the module and hose it down thoroughly. Spray the entire module surface. Allow module to drain.

3. Inspect the module. If necessary, repeat the washing

operation. If the module is damaged, replace it. NOTICE: If this cleaning method does not remove all

deposits, see “Special Cleaning Instructions” section in this manual.

4. Inspect and clean air bleed filter at top of module.

5. Follow all steps in the “Assembly” and “Initial Startup”

sections of this manual.

Special Cleaning Instructions:

Use this procedure to clean scale or oils which are not removed by hosing down module. Be sure to dispose of spent chemicals according to all applicable codes and waste disposal ordinances. Use a soft stream nozzle to minimize flying water and spray.

Risk of fire or explosion. Isolate filter from system before chemical cleaning; rinse filter

and elements completely before returning to service. If

filter cannot be isolated, remove media and clean at another location. Follow chemical manufacturer’s instructions for use. Do not mix chemicals except as directed by manufacturer. Do not allow cleaning chemicals to mix with or to come in contact with chlorine, bromines, other chemicals, or chemical feed devices.

1. Sponge or spray the module according to chemical manufacturer’s directions.

2. If soaking is required, remove the module from the filter tank and submerge it in a separate tank. Follow cleaner manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

3. After completing chemical manufacturer’s instructions, drain and rinse the module completely. Dispose of cleaners in accordance with local codes and disposal ordinances.

4. Rinse the inside of the filter tank. Drain it completely.

5. Follow instructions in the “Assembly” and “Initial Startup” sections of this manual.

Recommended Specialty Filter Cleaners

Filter Cleanse™, Great Lakes Biochemical BIOGUARD Strip Kwik™, BIOGUARD KleenIt™,

Softswim®Filter Cleaner,** BIOLABS, Inc. Filter Kleen™, Haviland Products Co.

BAQUA CLEAN™, ** Zeneca, Inc.

** MUST be used when using any PHMB based sanitizer.

When to Clean the Filter

The filter module should normally be cleaned when the pressure gauge reading increases 10 PSI over the start-up pressure (record the start-up pressure under “Owner’s Information”, Page 3).

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