Sta-Rite NS 24 Installation Manual

Nautilus™ NS Stainless Steel D.E. Filter

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NATIONAL
SPA & POOL
INSTITUTE

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. TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................................................. 10 - 11

A. REPLACEMENT PARTS ............................................................................................... 10 - 11

SECTION IV. TROUBLE SHOOTING ............................................................................................... 12

SECTION V. MANUAL AIR RELIEF VALVE ADDENDUM ...........................................................13

SECTION VI. NAUTILUS FNS & NS FILTERS REPLACEMENT KIT ............................................14

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.

WARNING

This filter operates under pressure. When closed properly and operated without air in the water system, this filter
will operate in a safe manner. 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: 1-919-774-4151 or 1-805-523-2400.)

Pentair Pool Products

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

Rev. B 5-14-01 1 P/N 191600

MEMBER
NATIONAL
SPA & POOL
INSTITUTE

R

A. HOW YOUR FILTER WORKS

Your vertical grid diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter is designed to operate for years
with proper maintenance. The 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.

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

Your filter is charged with D.E. at initial start-up. 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 (Item 30). The dirty water flows through the vertical grid elements
(Item 17) where dirt is filtered out by the D.E. coating. All grid elements channel
cleaned water into a manifold system (Item 13) which exits at the upper side
connection (Item 26) 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.

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.

Filter is designed and intended for use to filter

water in swimming pools and spas.

CAUTION

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 your local health codes.

NOTE

Part no's in parenthesis refer to the replacement parts as shown in the exploded drawing on page 11 of this manual.

WARNING

Failure to operate your filter or inadequate filtration can cause poor water clarity that could obstruct visibility in your pool and can allow
diving in shallow pool area, or diving into or on top of obscured objects which can cause serious bodily injury or drowning.

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

ETARWOLF

RETLIF

LEDOM

REBMUN

RETLIF

)MPG(

LEDOM

).tF.qS(

cilbuP

.tF.qS/MPG5.1

laitnediseR

.tF.qS/MPG0.2

.srH6.srH8.srH01.srH21

42SN426384082,71040,32008,82065,43

-YTICAPACREVONRUT)SNOLLAG(
).tF.qS/MPG0.2nodesaB(

63SN634527029,52065,43002,34048,15

84SN842769065,43080,64006,75021,96

06SN0609021002,34006,75000,27004,68

27SN27801441048,15021,96004,68086,301

P/N 191600 2 Rev. B 5-14-01

SECTION II. FILTER INSTALLATION.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

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

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. Mount filter on a permanent slab, preferably concrete poured in a form or on a platform constructed of concrete
block or brick. DO NOT use sand to level the filter or for pump mounting, as it will wash away.

• Provide space and lighting for routine maintenance access, see Figure 1.

• DO NOT mount electrical controls over filter.

• In respect for the potential for injury from any pressurized system, it is a good common sense

precaution to always stand clear of the filter whenever starting the pump.

4. If you have a Multiport Valve, assemble the valve to tank, being sure O-rings on valve fittings are in place and are
clean. Use a lubricant applied lightly, such as petroleum jelly, silicone grease, Mytilube or similar product on O-rings
and O-ring grooves prior to assembly.

5. 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.

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

7. Use Teflon Tape or Pastojoint 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.

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

9. A check valve is recommended between the filter and heater to prevent hot
water “back up” which will damage the filter and valve.

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

Rev. B 5-14-01 3 P/N 191600

Figure 1.

CAUTION

Never install a chlorinator upstream of the filter or heater - always downstream and with a check valve in between the chlorinator and filter
or heater. Highly chlorinated water can damage metallic system components.

CAUTION

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 increase the risk of vessel separation. Additionally, running the system with no flow will
seriously damage the equipment.

CAUTION

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.

CAUTION

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 severe corrosive attack to the filter and pump structural metallic components. Structurally
weakened filter components can cause filter or valve attachments to separate 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/ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES-SECTION II., C.".
for more information.

WARNING

Improper tank assembly could cause the tank top to blow off and cause severe bodily injury and / or property damage.

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

Air entering filter and/or the filter unit not closed correctly can cause the tank top to blow off and could cause severe bodily injury and/or
property damage.

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.

CAUTION

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.
Operating filter without D.E. can damage filter grid elements.

D.E. RECOMMENDATION

The amount of D.E. should be 1 pound for each 10 square feet
of filter area, see D.E. Precoat Requirements.

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Precoat Requirements

Filter Model *By Weight

Number Pounds of D.E.

NS 24 2.4

NS 36 3.6

NS 48 4.8

NS 60 6.0

NS 72 7.2

* By Weight - 1 lb. of D.E. per 10 sq. ft. of filter surface area.

P/N 191600 4 Rev. B 5-14-01

7. On a new pool installation, it will require approximately one week to obtain and maintain the water clarity of which

your filter is capable. It is recommended to disassemble and clean the filter after initial pool clean up
(approximately 48 hours of operation). Follow the instructions given in this manual for disassembly, cleaning and
reassembly.

8. Be sure to note the operating pressure of the filter when it is clean and properly charged with D.E.. As the filter

removes dirt from the pool, the pressure will gradually increase. As a guide, when the pressure has increased 7 to 10
psi from the initial reading, it is time to backwash the filter.

a. MY ORIGINAL STARTING PRESSURE IS ___________ psi (pounds per square inch). I SHOULD

BACKWASH (CLEAN) THE FILTER AT __________ psi.

C. FILTER DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY

Before Disassembling Filter:

Backwash filter according to instructions under, see "FILTER BACKWASH PROCEDURE - SECTION II., F.", but stop after
instruction (# 7). Do not precoat with new D.E.

DISASSEMBLY:

1. Be sure pump is turned off and all pressure has been released from system.

WARNING

Releasing clamp with pressure on system could cause tank lid to blow off, causing severe injury or major property damage!

NEVER adjust, tighten or loosen “V” band clamp when tank is under pressure!

2. Remove filter drain plug and drain all water from tank.

WARNING

Clamp hardware and filter surface could have sharp edges which can cause bodily injury if
improperly handled. Please use caution when performing the following procedures.

3. Loosen clamp nuts alternately until one is removed. Remove spring and washers

noting part orientation. Lift clamp assembly off of filter.

4. Tank halves may have a tendency to stick together. In order to separate tank

halves, it may be necessary to strike the tank top using the palm of your hand
with a glancing upward movement, see Figure 2. Proceed gradually around the
tank using this motion until the top loosens.

5. Being careful not to damage tank seal, lift upper tank shell off of lower tank shell.

ASSEMBLY:

WARNING

Always visually inspect filter components during normal servicing to insure structural safety. Replace any item which is
corroded, bent or otherwise visually deteriorated. Deteriorated filter components can allow the filter top or attachments to
blow off and could cause severe bodily injury or property damage.

1. Thoroughly clean air relief filter screen on top of manifold EVERY time filter is

opened. Be sure to remove all debris from screen.

2. Inspect tank seal, (Item 21), for cuts, nicks, etc. If damaged, replace with a new

one.

3. Clean tank seal area of tank shell (both halves) and tank seal.

4. Inspect, clean and lubricate the O-ring, (Item 18), on the upper pipe assembly,

(Item 19).

5. Clean the metal band which supports the tank seal on the inside of the filter tank.

Note that this band has a formed bead in its center to locate it in the assembled
tank, see Figure 3.

6. Lubricate the tank seal with petroleum jelly, silicone grease, Mytilube or similar

product.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Rev. B 5-14-01 5 P/N 191600