Sta-Rite 184941 Installation Manual

Nautilus® Plus NSP Stainless Steel D.E. Filter

Installation, Operation & Service Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Table of Contents

SECTION I. FILTER OPERATION. ............................................................................................... 1

SECTION II. FILTER INSTALLATION. ......................................................................................... 3

SECTION III. TROUBLE SHOOTING. .......................................................................................... 10

SECTION IV. TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................................. 11

A. REPLACEMENT PARTS ......................................................................................... 11

WARNING

Before installing this product, read and follow all warning notices and instructions accompanying this filter. Failure to
follow safety warnings and instructions can result in severe injury, death, or property damage. Call [phone] for
additional free copies of these instructions.

Important Notice

Attention Installer.

This manual contains important information about the installation, operation and safe use of this product.
This information should be given to the owner/operator of this equipment.

SECTION I. FILTER OPERATION.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION.

1. This filter operates under pressure. When closed properly and operated without air in the water system, this
filter will operate in a safe manner.

2. Warning labels should be affixed to the top of the filter and on the clamp bands at all times. Keep safety
labels in good condition. Replace missing or damaged safety labels. {For free labels call [phone]
or [phone]}.

Pentair Pool Products

1620 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330 • [phone]
10951 West Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, CA 93021 • [phone]

Rev. C 12-30-03 1 P/N 191807

MEMBER
NATIONAL
SPA & POOL
INSTITUTE

R

CAUTION

The following information should be read carefully. It outlines the proper manner of care and operation for your filter system. You
can expect maximum efficiency and life from your filtration system by following these instructions and taking the necessary
preventative care.

3. Your vertical grid diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter is designed to operate for years with proper maintenance. This
filter housing is made of corrosion resistant materials and when installed, operated and maintained in accordance
with these instructions, your filter will provide years of service.

4. An External Air Relief Valve has been factory installed for your safety.

5. Your filter must be charged with D.E. at initial start-up before operating filter. This D.E. will cover the vertical
filter grid cloth within the filter with a thin coating. Dirty water flows from the pool through the control valve on
the side of the filter and into the lower side connection of the filter (part 24). The dirty water flows through the
vertical grid elements (part 16) where dirt is filtered out by the D.E. Coating. All grid elements channel cleaned
water into a manifold system (part 13) which exits at the upper side connection (part 17) and through the control
valve to return back to the pool. By diluting the dirty pool water with clean water, the entire pool becomes
gradually cleaned. Your filter and pump should be sized to circulate from 2 to 4 times the volume of water in the
entire pool through the filter every day to accomplish the cleaning.

6. As dirt is collected in the coating of D.E. in the filter, the pressure will rise and the flow of water to the pool will
be reduced. See other sections in the manual to determine when to clean the filter and how to choose the
appropriate cleaning method. This filter will only remove suspended matter and does not sanitize the pool. The
pool must be sanitized and pH balanced for sparkling clear water. Your filtration system must be configured and
sized to meet you local health codes.

NOTE

Part no.'s in parenthesis refer to the replacement parts as shown in the exploded drawing at the end of the manual.

WARNING

Failure to run your filter or inadequate filtration can result in pool water clarity that could obstruct visibility and allow diving
into or on top of obscured objects which can cause serious personal injury or drowning.

7. Clear water is the result of proper filtration as well as proper water chemistry. Pool chemistry is a specialized
area and you should consult your local pool service specialist for specific help or instructions. In general proper

pool sanitation requires a free chlorine level of 1 to 2 PPM and a pH range of 7.2 to 7.6.

FILTER OPERATIONAL DATA

RETLIF

LEDOM

REBMUN

RETLIF

LEDOM

).tF.qS(

laitnediseR

ETARWOLF

)MPG(

.tF.qS/MPG5.2

cilbuP

.tF.qS/MPG0.2

.srH6.srH8.srH01.srH21

G( )snolla

42-PSN420684082,71040,32008,82065,43

63-PSN630927029,52065,43002,34048,15

YTICAPACREVONRUT

).tF.qS/MPG0.2nodesaB(

84-PSN8402169065,43080,64006,75021,96

06-PSN06051021002,34006,75000,27004,68

27-PSN27051441048,15021,96004,68086,301

P/N 191807 2 Rev. C 12-30-03

SECTION II. FILTER INSTALLATION.

THIS FILTER OPERATES UNDER HIGH PRESSURE. WHEN ANY PART OF THE CIRCULATING
SYSTEM, e.g., CLAMP, PUMP, FILTER, VALVE(S), ETC. IS SERVICED, AIR CAN ENTER THE SYSTEM
AND BECOME PRESSURIZED. PRESSURIZED AIR CAN CAUSE THE LID TO BE BLOWN OFF
WHICH CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. TO AVOID THIS
POTENTIAL HAZARD, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

1. BEFORE REPOSITIONING VALVE(S) AND BEFORE BEGINNING THE ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY,
OR ADJUSTMENT OF THE CLAMP OR ANY OTHER SERVICE OF THE CIRCULATING SYSTEM: (A)
TURN THE PUMP OFF AND SHUT OFF ANY AUTOMATIC CONTROLS TO ENSURE THE SYSTEM
IS NOT INADVERTENTLY STARTED DURING THE SERVICING; (B) OPEN THE AIR RELIEF VALVE;
(C) WAIT UNTIL ALL PRESSURE IS RELIEVED.

2. WHENEVER INSTALLING THE FILTER CLAMP FOLLOW THE FILTER CLAMP INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

3. ONCE SERVICE ON THE CIRCULATING SYSTEM IS COMPLETE FOLLOW SYSTEM RESTART
INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

4. MAINTAIN CIRCULATION SYSTEM PROPERLY. REPLACE WORN OR DAMAGED PARTS
IMMEDIATELY, e.g., clamp, pressure gauge, valve(s), O-rings, etc.

5. BE SURE THAT THE FILTER IS PROPERLY MOUNTED AND POSITIONED ACCORDING TO
INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED.

WARNING

A. GENERAL INFORMATION.

1. Check carton for any evidence of damage due to rough
handling in shipment. If carton or any filter components are
damaged, notify freight carrier immediately.

2. After inspection, carefully remove filter components from
carton.

3. The filter should be mounted on a level concrete slab. Position
the filter so that instructions, warnings and the pressure gauge
are visible to the operator. It also should be positioned so that

Model Size Clearance Req. NSF

184941 24 sq. ft. 61 in. yes
184942 36 sq. ft. 67 in. yes
184943 48 sq. ft. 73 in. yes
184944 60 sq. ft. 79 in. yes
184945 72 sq. ft. 85 in. yes

Table 1.

Vertical

the piping connections, control valve and drain port are
convenient and accessible for servicing and winterizing.

4. Provide space and lighting for routine maintenance access. Do not mount electrical controls over filter. Install
electrical controls (e.g., on/off switches, timers, control systems, etc.) at least five (5) feet from the filter. This
will allow you enough room to stand clear of the filter during system start up.

5. Allow sufficient clearance around the filter to permit visual verification that the clamp is properly installed around
the tank flanges, see Figure 1.

6. Allow sufficient space above the filter to remove the filter lid for cleaning and servicing. This distance will vary
with the model of filter you are using. See Table 1. for the required vertical clearance.

7. Filter plumbing connections are provided with an O-ring seal. If you have a
Multi-port Valve, assemble the valve to tank, being sure O-rings on valve
fittings are in place and are clean. To avoid damage to the O-rings, use
only a silicone base lubricant, applied lightly, such as silicone grease,
Mytilube or similar product on O-rings and O-ring grooves prior to
assemble. Do not use pipe joint compound, glue or solvent on the bulkhead
connections.

8. If you have a two position slide valve, align the valve with tank so that the
handle is toward the top of the tank, push valve into ports and turn the
valve nuts snugly on tank fittings. It is not necessary to cinch valve nuts to
tank fitting beyond hand tightness.

Rev. C 12-30-03 3 P/N 191807

Figure 1.

9. Assemble piping and pipe fittings to pump and valve. All piping must conform to local and state plumbing and
sanitary codes.

10. Use Teflon tape or Plastojoint stick on all male connections of pipe and fittings. Use only pipe compounds suited
for plastic pipe. Support pipe to prevent strains on filter, pump or valve.

11. Long piping runs and elbows restrict flow. For best efficiency use the fewest possible fittings, large diameter pipe
(at least 1½", preferably 2") and locate equipment as close to the pool as possible.

12. A check valve is recommended between the filter and heater to prevent hot water "back up" which will damage
the filter and valve. Another check valve is recommended between the filter and the pump to prevent D.E. from
migrating back to the pool when the filter is off.

13. The maximum operating pressure of this unit is 50 pounds per square inch. Never operate this filter above this
pressure or attach a pump to this filter that has more than 50 psi shut off pressure.

14. Never install a chlorinator upstream of the filter - always downstream and with a check valve in between the
chlorinator and filter.

15. A positive shut off valve is not recommended at the outlet of the filtering system. If the system is ever run with
such a valve closed, the internal air relief system becomes inoperative and an explosive situation could exist.
Additionally, running the system with no flow will seriously damage the equipment.

16. A positive shut off valve is also not recommended at the waste port of the valve. If the system is ever run with
such a valve closed, the filter pressure will go abnormally high and increase the risk of vessel separation.
Additionally, running the system with no flow will seriously damage the equipment.

17. Never store pool chemicals within 10 ft. of your pool filter and pump. Pool chemicals are corrosive and should
always be stored in a cool, dry and well ventilated area.

WARNING

Chemical fumes and/or spills can cause sever corrosive attack to the filter and pump structural metallic components.
Structurally weakened filter components can cause filter or valve attachments to blow off and could cause severe
bodily injury or property damage.

B. INITIAL START-UP.

1. On a new pool, clean the pool before filling with water. Excess dirt and large particles can cause damage to pump
and filter.

2. Check clamp assembly for tightness. See Filter Disassembly and Assembly procedures.

3. Move valve handle to filter position. Open air bleeder screw (Item 1) on the filter top. Check pump strainer
pot to be sure it is full of water. Replace pump lid.

WARNING

Conditions where air enters the filter and the tank lid is not installed properly can cause the lid to separate and could
cause serious bodily injury and/or major property damage. Always stand clear of the filter when it is in operation or
when power to the pump is turned on.

4. Open all suction and return line valves. Stand clear of filter during the following operations.

5. Start pump. The tank will fill with water and expel air from air bleeder.

6. Remove the skimmer lid, put the recommended amount of diatomaceous earth (D.E.) into the skimmer. The D.E.
will be drawn into the filter and deposited evenly upon the grid elements. Now the filter is providing the pool with
bright, clean water.

NOTE

Do not operate filter without D.E. charge for more than two minutes. Do not use more than the recommended amount of D.E. in your filter.

P/N 191807 4 Rev. C 12-30-03