STAR
REGENERATIVE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTER
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & SERVICE MANUAL
FILTER IS DESIGNED AND INTENDED FOR USE TO
FILTER WATER IN SWIMMING POOLS.
™
WARNING
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS
CRITICAL SAFETY INFOR-
MATION WHICH MUST BE
FURNISHED TO THE END
USER. FAILURE TO READ
AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY AND / OR
MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS
Sanford, NC Moorpark, CA
(919) 774-4151 (805) 523-2400
Fax:(919) 774-4841 Fax: (805) 530-0183
★ Patented No.4,944,887
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. HOW YOUR FILTER WORKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
B. INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
C. INITIAL START-UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
D. FILTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
E. CLEANING FREQUENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
(REGENERATION OR MANUAL CLEANING)
F. DISASSEMBLY AND FILTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MANUAL CLEANING PROCEDURE
G. WINTERIZING THE FILTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
H. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
I. REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This filter operates under pressure and if assembled
improperly or operated with air in the water circulation system it can separate and result in an accident causing serious
bodily injury and/or property damage. A warning label has
been affixed to the top of the filter and should not be
removed. Keep safety labels in good condition and replace if
missing or illegible (For free labels call 1-800-833-3692).
A. HOW YOUR FILTER WORKS
Your D.E. Filter is designed to operate for years with a
minimum of maintenance.The filter utilizes corrosion resistant materials and when installed, operated and maintained
in accordance to these instructions, it will provide years of
trouble free operation.
Your Star is a diatomaceous earth (DE) type regenerative
filter. The unit requires D.E. in order to operate. The filter
grid cloth is covered with a thick coating of D.E.
Dirt is collected in the D.E.as the water flows into the bottom piping inlet and is distributed evenly around the filter.
Dirt is collected by the filter as the flow passes from the outside of the grid to the inside of the grid. The flow then moves
upward to the top manifold where it is then channeled downward through the center pipe into the bottom piping and it
returns clear water to the pool.
The pressure inside the filter will rise and the flow to the
pool will be reduced as the dirt is collected in the filter.
Eventually, the filter will become so plugged with dirt that it
will be necessary to perform a regeneration procedure. It is
important to know when to regenerate the filter.
The regeneration process is a mechanical means of dislodging the D.E.and dirt to allow better, more efficient use of
the D.E.The knob on the top of the filter is used to mechanically “swish” the internal grid assembly and allow it to
“bump”built-in stops.It is this “swish and bump”motion that
dislodges the D.E. and dirt.
Eventually the D.E. becomes completely loaded with dirt
so that the regeneration process becomes ineffective, at this
point cleaning is necessary. Regeneration and cleaning are
discussed further under subsequent sections of this booklet.
Please note that a filter removes suspended matter and
does not sanitize the pool. The pool water must be sanitized
and chemically balanced for sparkling clear water.
Your filtration system should be designed to meet your
local health codes. As a minimum you must be sure that your
system will turnover the total volume of water in your pool at
least two to four times in a twenty-four hour period.
Refer to Table A for Filter Operational Data.
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 details. In general proper sanitation requires a free
chlorine level of 1 to 2 PPM and PH range of 7.2 to 7.6
B. INSTALLATION
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-Carefully remove the accessory package and the filter tank
from the carton.
3-Mount the 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.
4-Provide space and lighting for routine maintenance. Do not
mount electrical controls over the filter. One needs to be able
to stand clear of the filter when starting the pump.Minimum
space requirements may be found on the large nameplate on
the filter.
5-All filter connections are 1 1/2” NPT.Note each connection,
also allows the use of an optional Quick Connect fitting if
desired. This allows for quick and easy removal of the filter.
Be certain the piping is as follows: A) From the pool to the
inlet of the pump; B) From the outlet of the pump to the inlet
of the filter; C) From the outlet of the filter to the pool.
6-Assemble piping and pipe fittings to pump and filter. All
piping must conform to local and state plumbing and sanitary codes.
7-Use sealant compounds on all male connections of pipe and
fittings.Quick Connects do not require sealant! Use only pipe
compounds suited for plastic pipe. Support pipe to prevent
strains on filter, pump or valve.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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WARNING
Failure to operate your filter system or inadequate
filtration can cause pool water clarity obstructing
visibility in your pool and can allow diving into or on top
of obscured objects which can cause serious personal
injury or drowning.
FILTER OPERATIONAL DATA TABLE A
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8-Long piping runs and elbows restrict flow. For best efficiency, use the fewest possible fittings, large diameter pipe (at
least 1 1/2”) and locate equipment as close to pool as possible.
9-If a pool heater is installed a check valve is recommended
between the filter and heater to prevent hot water “back up”
which will damage the filter.
10-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.
11-Never install a chlorinator upstream of the filter. Always
install downstream and with a check valve in between the
chlorinator and filter.
12-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.
13-Never store pool chemicals within 10 feet of your pool filter. Pool chemicals should always be stored in a cool, dry, well
ventilated area.
WARNING
Chemical fumes and/or spills can cause severe attack of
filter structural components. Structurally weakened filter components can cause filter or attachments to blow
off and could cause severe bodily injury or property damage.
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.
REGENERATIVE D.E. RECOMMENDATION
The amount of D.E. should be between 3 and 4 pounds for
each 10 square feet of filter area or:
MODEL
ST 35
ST 50
ST 80
NOTICE: 1/2 pound of DE will fill a 13 oz. coffee can.
POUNDS OF D.E.
2 - 3
3 - 4
4 - 5 1/2
D. FILTER CARE
The filter is a very important part of the pool equipment
and installation.Proper care and maintenance will add many
years of service and enjoyment to the pool. Follow these suggestions for long trouble-free operation.
1-To clean the exterior of the filter of dust or dirt,use a mild
detergent and water and then hose off. Do not use solvents.
WARNING
Always visually inspect filter components during normal
servicing to insure structural safety. Replace any item
which is corroded, bent or otherwise visually defective.
Defective filter components can allow the filter top to
blow off and could cause severe bodily injury or property damage.
C. INITIAL START-UP
1-On a new pool, clean the pool before filling the pool with
water. Excessive dirt and large particles can cause damage to
pump and filter.
2-Check the pump strainer pot to be certain it is full of water.
Be certain all valves,“if any are present” are open on both the
suction and the discharge lines.
3-Check the tank clamp hand knob for tightness.
WARNING
Air entrapped in the filter and the tank clamp not closed
properly can cause the tank top to blow off and could
cause severe bodily injury and/or property damage.
4-Open the manual air bleeder on the top of the tank. Stand
clear of filter and start the pump allowing it to prime.
5-Close the air bleeder when a steady stream water emerges.
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.
2-The filter clamp used on your filter was manufactured with
high quality corrosion resistant materials. The manufacturing process could allow sharp edges to be present on the
parts. When working around the clamp, use caution to prevent potential injury to fingers or hands from contact with
sharp edges.
3-Y our filter is a pressure vessel and should never be serviced
while under pressure. Always shut off pump to relieve tank
pressure and open air bleeder before attempting to service
your filter.
4-When restarting your filter, always open the manual air
bleeder and stand clear of the filter.
E. CLEANING FREQUENCY
(REGENERATION OR MANUAL CLEANING)
1-The filter on a new pool should be cleaned after approximately 48 hours of operation to clean out plaster dust and/or
construction debris.
2-There are different ways to identify when the filter needs
regeneration.
A) The most accurate indicator on pool systems with a
flow meter is to regenerate the filter when the flow
decreases 30% from the original (clean filter) flow. For
example, if the original flow was 50 gpm, the filter
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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should be regenerated when the flow is reduced by
about 15 GPM (or 30%) to 35 GPM.
B) A more subjective and less accurate indicator is to
observe the amount of water flowing from the flow
directions located in the wall of the pool. The filter
should be regenerated once it is detected that the flow
has been reduced by about 1/3.
C) The most commonly used but least accurate indicator
is to regenerate the filter when the filter gauge reading
increases 10 psi over the initial (clean filter) reading.
3-Factors like weather conditions ,heavy rains, dust or pollen,
and water temperatures all affect the frequency of regeneration. As you use your pool you will become aware of these
influences.
4-Regeneration “Swish and Bump” - When the flow has been
reduced or the pressure gauge has increased as mentioned
above, the regeneration is necessary. Stop the pump and
move the knob clockwise to bump one stop and then counter
clockwise to the other stop. Perform this operation 4 times.
This will “swish and bump” the filter allowing the D.E. and
dirt to intermix with the water within the filter chamber.
Stand clear of the filter and restart the pump and the flow
will be back to normal and the pressure gauge will be at the
low reading.
WARNING
RELEASING CLAMP WITH PRESSURE ON SYSTEM
WILL BLOW LID OFF THE TANK, CAUSING SEVERE
INJURY OR MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE!!
4-WAIT until all pressure is released from filter tank and
system before loosening clamp.
5-Remove the clamp and top half of the filter.
6-Grasp element assembly at top manifold using hand holds
and life to remove it. Figure D.
FIGURE D.
5-CLEANING - After a number of weeks it will be noted that
the flow is reduced in about 1 day, after regeneration which
means that the ratio of dirt to D.E. is such that full cleaning
is needed. To clean the filter, shut off the pump, and relieve
internal pressure. Quickly “swish and bump” using the filter
knob only 4 times. Open the air relief valve and the drain
plug. Wait until the filter is completely empty, replace the
drain plug keeping the air bleeder open and stand clear of the
filter. Turn the pump on and completely fill the filter with
water. Shut off the pump and relieve the internal pressure.
“Swish and bump” another 4 times and again allow the filter
to drain. Close the drain plug and follow the Initial Start-Up
instructions above to begin a new filter cycle.
CLEANING OF GRID ASSEMBLY
6-Due to pool water chemistry, a build up of minerals and oil
may form deposits on the fabric of the grids. This will eventually result in shortened filter cycles. To clean the fabric
proceed as follows.
F. DISASSEMBLY AND FILTER
MANUAL CLEANING PROCEDURE
NOTICE: At least once a year, disassemble and clean
filter regardless of operating pressure readings. This
can be done conveniently while winterizing the pool
in cold climates.
1-Clean the filter as discussed above in Step 5 as recommended but do not precoat with the new D.E.
2-STOP PUMP
3-OPEN air release valve.
7-Hose down element assembly and clean with bottle brush
(Figure E). Use detergent solution of filter cleanser available
from a pool service store.
FIGURE E.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging fabric, do not allow filter
element to rub on concrete or any abrasive surface
during cleaning.
NOTICE: Do not expose element cloth to direct sun for
long periods. Direct sun will cause the cloth to deteriorate.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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8-Inspect grid cloth for tears,calcification, plugged areas, etc.
If necessary soak element in filter cleanser to remove buildup
of oils, etc. One of the following cleaners is recommended:
FILTER-CLEANSE-Great Lakes Biochemical
FILTER-FREE-Hydrotech Chemical Corp.
KLEEN-IT-Bio Lab, Inc.
Mix a solution following the manufacturer’s instructions
on the label. Place the entire grid assembly in a plastic container and add the solution so the entire grid assembly is
submerged. Allow to stand overnight (12 hours). The following day, wash with a hose and remove all of the solution from
the grids so it does not return to the pool.
9-Thoroughly clean air relief filter screen.
10-With filter drain open, hose down the internal portion of
filter and thoroughly clean sealing area of tank halves.
11-Replace the grid assembly by setting the manifold open-
ing directly over the center connector pipe.The grid assembly
should rest on the center pipe and turn freely to stops.
12-Thoroughly clean drain plug seal and sealing area and
replace and tighten plug.
FILTER REASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
1-Be certain the grid assembly is inserted into the bottom fitting. Clean the two tank flanges and the tank O-Ring.
7-If unit is returning to service, see “Initial Startup”.
8-If cleaning is part of seasonal shutdown, see “Winterizing”.
G. WINTERIZING THE FILTER
1-In areas that have freezing winter temperatures, protect
the pool and spa equipment by draining both the pump and
the filter.
2-Shut off the pump.
3-Open the air vent or bleeder on top of the filter tank and
remove the drain plug.
4-Open all valves and allow the filter to completely drain. It
is recommended that the filter grid assembly be thoroughly
cleaned at the end of the swimming pool season, dried out
and stored in a clean dry area out of direct sunlight.
5-Drain all appropriate system piping.
6-We recommend covering the equipment with a tarpaulin or
plastic sheet to inhibit deterioration from weather exposure.
Do not wrap pump motor with plastic.
2-Be sure O-Ring is in proper position.
3-After installing the O-Ring,replace the top cover and guide
it carefully so the handle shaft assembly engages the grid
assembly. DO NOT FORCE THE COVER TO CLOSE.
4-Locate the filter clamp over both flanges,tank top and tank
bottom.
5-While tightening hand knob you must tap clamp all around
the diameter with a mallet or similar tool to insure uniform
loading.
WARNING
Air entrapped in the filter and the tank clamp not closed
properly can cause the tank top to blow off and could
cause severe bodily injury and/or property damage.
6-Be certain the hand knob is firmly tightened as much as
possible using full hand power to tighten.
The gap between the clamp ends should be between 3/8”
and 7/8”. Do not use excessive force such as wrenches or pliers which could overstress the hardware.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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H. TROUBLESHOOTING
PAGE 8
STAR
MODEL ST80, ST50, ST35
™
19-1490 7/01
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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