| This is the unit which removes dirt and debris from a | | | | important. As the element is "loaded" which dirt and |
| body of water such as a swimming pool and or spa. | | | | debris, more and more pressure is asserted on the |
| This piece of equipment is one of the most | | | | unit. If the unit is allowed to continue to operate |
| important because a crystal blue environment | | | | without being cleaned the cartridge can and will be |
| depends on how this apparatus functions. | | | | damaged. Regular cleaning removes the dirt and |
| Some of the parts of a cartridge filter are as | | | | allows operation at a high level. |
| follows:o Upper Knob and or Clamp Assembly - | | | | How important is the pressure gauge? |
| Usually on the top of the unit and when unscrewed | | | | Checking the pressure gauge on the top of the tank |
| releases the filter head. Note: Always make sure the | | | | when the unit is clean and noting the reading is very |
| pump is turned OFF and the air pressure inside the | | | | important. When the pressure inside the unit rises 5-7 |
| tank has been released before loosening the upper | | | | pounds it is time to perform a cleaning. Example: |
| knob.o Tank Head - Provides easy access to the | | | | Clean Reading = 15 pounds, Pressure goes up to 21 |
| inner cartridge element. Usually can be rotated to | | | | pounds = Time to clean. |
| position the pressure gauge and manual air relief | | | | Should the cartridge be washed with Muriatic Acid on |
| valve in a convenient position.o Tank - Unit in which | | | | a regular basis? |
| the element is housed.o Air Relief Valve - Allows for | | | | Acid washing shortens the life of the cartridge and |
| the purging of air which is inside the unit.o Pressure | | | | should be done on a limited basis, if at all. Acid will |
| Gauge - Usually reads 0-60 PSI and advises when the | | | | remove built up calcium inside the element. When |
| element is dirty and is in need of disassembly and | | | | using muriatic acid use extreme caution, proper |
| cleaning.o Element - Usually engineered of high quality | | | | safety equipment and follow safety regulations for |
| reinforced polyester with molded end caps. This unit | | | | disposal of the used muriatic acid. Products are |
| can be removed and cleaned many times.o Inlet and | | | | available for soaking to remove excess oils; these |
| Outlet - Ports which are used to connect the filter to | | | | should be used as per manufactures |
| the piping which allows the water to flow in and out. | | | | recommendations. Remember that when cleaning |
| Depending on the brand and model, these ports can | | | | with muriatic acid, if oils are present in the material, |
| be either a slip or threaded port.o Lower Plug - Used | | | | acid can "lock" the oil into the material. It is most |
| to drain the unit when necessary. | | | | important that a product to remove oils be utilized |
| How should a cartridge filter be cleaned and | | | | BEFORE acid is used for calcium removal. |
| serviced?o TURN OFF THE PUMP SYSTEMo Release | | | | How and why does calcium build up on the element? |
| the air from the tank by opening the air relief valve.o | | | | Poor water chemistry (high calcium and pH levels) in |
| Turn the top knob or release the upper clamp | | | | your swimming pool and spa water will contribute to |
| assembly and remove the top of the unit.o Remove | | | | calcium build up. Regular testing is critical and it is |
| the element from the tank.o Use a garden hose and | | | | important to monitor these levels in order to maintain |
| a pressure nozzle to remove dirt and debris from the | | | | cleaner and better functioning filters. |
| material.o Replace the cartridge back into the tank.o | | | | The filter in your swimming pool equipment is |
| Replace the top.o Re-tighten the top knob and or | | | | certainly one of the most important units in your |
| reinstall the clamp assembly and hand tighten.o | | | | system. Having it operate at peak level is very |
| Restart the pump system, Bleed out the air inside | | | | important to maintaining crystal clear and sparkling |
| the tank and close the air relief valve assembly.o | | | | water. Take a few minutes each week to monitor |
| Check the system for leaks.o Take note of the | | | | and clean this apparatus and have fun and enjoyment |
| pressure gauge reading. | | | | with your pool and spa. Disregard your system and |
| How can you insure your filter will last as long as | | | | plan on spending unnecessary money and time |
| possible? | | | | correcting a variety of problems. |
| Cleaning your filter on a regular basis is very | | | | |