Pentair D.E. Cartridge Style Filter Quad D.E. - Manual (Page 14)

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Quad D.E. ® Filter Installation and User’s Guide
Preparing Diatomite
Your filter requires diatomaceous earth (D.E. or diatomite) for proper filtration and operation. Your filter
elements must be precoated with this material in order to protect their surfaces and provide the most efficient
filtering action. Refer to Table 2 for the proper quantity to use with your filter. We recommend the use of D.E.
which is sold and labeled for use with swimming pools and spas. These grades of D.E. typically have a
median particle size of 34 microns, which is ideal for most applications.
1. The Quad D.E. filters are listed with the appropriate amounts of diatomite to be used to precoat the filter
elements. A one (1) pound coffee can filled (level) with diatomite is equal to one half pound weight of
diatomaceous earth. Do not "pack" or compress diatomite into the coffee can.
2. Mix the required amount of diatomite with sufficient water
in a bucket to make a thin, milky mixture.
3. Follow the instructions below for COATING THE FILTER
ELEMENTS to introduce the slurry of diatomite into the filter.
Coating the Filter Elements with Diatomaceous Earth
CAUTION — The following information should be read carefully since 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.
1. Slide Valve.
a. Twist to unlock plunger, then raise the handle as far as it will go. Turn handle clockwise to lock lower
pin in underside of cap.
2. Multiport Valve.
a. Position valve to FILTER OR VACUUM TO POOL setting. This is your normal flow from the pump
through the filter to the pool. Open the High Flow™ manual air relief valve on the filter. Proceed with
Steps 2.b to 2.g, below.
b. Prepare recommended amount of diatomaceous earth by mixing it with water in a bucket until it is the
consistency of milk; see above, PREPARING DIATOMITE.
c. On initial start-up the pump must be primed by filling the hair and lint strainer pot with water. You may
have to do this several times.
d. Follow the steps outlined in Section 4 ; on page 7 , SYSTEM RESTART INSTRUCTIONS for system
start-up.
e. Introduce the slurry of diatomite from the bucket directly into the top of the skimmer. With the pump
running and the pool skimmer valve open, pour the mixture directly into the skimmer. The slurry will
be drawn into the filter.
f. Your filter is now operational. Note the original starting pressure on the gauge and record it below.
g. Clean your filter when pressure reads between 10 to 12 psi higher than the original starting pressure.
Your filter pressure reading will increase as it removes dirt from your pool. However, this build-up of
pressure will vary due to different bathing loads, temperature, weather conditions, etc.
h. MY ORIGINAL STARTING PRESSURE IS ______________ psi (pounds per square inch).
I SHOULD BACKWASH AT _____________ psi.
NOTE
If the starting pressure after backwashing the filter or cleaning the elements indicates 4 to 5 psi higher than the normal starting
pressure, the filter elements must be cleaned. Refer to Step 1; on
page 10 , CLEANING FILTER ELEMENTS for instructions.
Filter Area Weight of No. of 1 lb.
(sq. ft.) D.E. Coffee Cans
60 6 lbs. 12
80 8 lbs. 16
100 10 lbs. 20
Table 2