Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump User Manual

1. Introduction

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is designed to keep your above ground pool water clean, soft, and refreshing. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient setup, operation, and maintenance of your sand filter pump. Sand filters are a popular choice for pool filtration due to their effectiveness in removing small particles and their long-lasting sand media, which typically requires replacement only once every five years.

This pump features a versatile six-function control valve, allowing you to filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close the system. It also includes a built-in 24-hour timer for automated operation and a safety shut-off for enhanced convenience and safety.

Figure 1.1: Overview of the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump assembly.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Always read and follow all safety instructions provided in the full user manual before operating this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.

• Ensure the pump is connected to a grounded electrical outlet protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not operate the pump if the GFCI trips. Reset the GFCI. If it continues to trip, disconnect the pump and have it inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Keep children away from the pump and electrical connections.
• Never operate the pump when people are in the pool.
• Position the pump on a firm, level surface, away from the pool edge, to prevent accidental tipping or water damage.
• This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Figure 2.1: The integrated GFCI plug for electrical safety.

3. Product Components

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump system includes the following main components:

• Sand Filter Tank: Holds the filter sand.
• Pump Motor: Provides the power to circulate water.
• 6-Way Control Valve: Manages the flow of water for different functions.
• Pressure Gauge: Indicates the pressure inside the filter, helping determine when backwashing is needed.
• Strainer Basket: Collects larger debris before it reaches the pump impeller.
• Hoses and Connectors: For connecting the pump to the pool.
• GFCI Plug: For electrical safety.

Figure 3.1: The removable strainer basket, designed for easy cleaning and to protect the pump.

4. Setup and Installation

Proper setup is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your sand filter pump. Refer to the detailed instructions and diagrams in the official user manual PDF for complete assembly and installation steps.

1. Choose a Location: Select a firm, level surface for the pump, at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the pool, and ensure it is protected from direct sunlight and harsh weather.
2. Assemble the Tank: Follow the instructions to assemble the filter tank and its internal components.
3. Add Filter Sand: Carefully add the recommended amount of #20 silica sand (approximately 35 lbs for this model) into the filter tank. Use the provided sand shield to prevent sand from entering the center pipe.
4. Connect the Pump: Attach the pump motor to the filter tank and secure all connections.
5. Connect Hoses: Connect the inlet and outlet hoses from the pump to your pool's filtration ports. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
6. Prime the Pump: Before starting, ensure the pump is primed by filling the strainer housing with water.

Figure 4.1: The sand filter pump connected to an above ground pool.

Figure 4.2: Compatibility chart for various pool sizes and pump capacities.

5. Operating Instructions

The 6-way control valve allows for various operational modes:

• Filter: Normal filtering mode. Water passes through the sand media, removing debris.
• Backwash: Cleans the sand media by reversing water flow. Perform when pressure gauge indicates high pressure (e.g., 14-16 PSI).
• Rinse: Used after backwashing to flush out dirty water from the valve and settle the sand.
• Recirculate: Bypasses the filter, circulating water without filtering. Useful for chemical distribution.
• Drain: Drains water directly from the pool.
• Closed: Shuts off all flow to the filter. Use when performing maintenance or opening the strainer basket.

24-Hour Timer: The built-in timer allows you to set the operating time for the pump. To set the timer, turn the pump on at the desired start time and select the duration (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 hours). The pump will automatically run for the set duration each day.

Figure 5.1: The timer dial for setting automatic operation.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the efficiency and longevity of your sand filter pump.

• Backwashing: Perform backwashing when the pressure gauge reads 5 PSI above the initial clean pressure, or when water flow significantly decreases. Backwash until the water in the sight glass runs clear (typically 1-2 minutes).
• Rinsing: Always rinse for 30-60 seconds after backwashing to settle the sand and prevent dirty water from returning to the pool.
• Sand Replacement: The filter sand typically needs replacement only once every five years.
• Strainer Basket Cleaning: Regularly check and clean the strainer basket to remove leaves and large debris. Ensure the pump is off and the control valve is in the 'Closed' position before opening the strainer lid.
• Winterization: Before freezing temperatures, drain all water from the pump and filter. Store the unit in a dry, protected area.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your sand filter pump, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• Low Water Flow: Check for clogged strainer basket, dirty sand (requires backwash), closed valves, or air in the system. Ensure hoses are not kinked.
• Pump Not Starting: Verify the GFCI plug is reset and receiving power. Check electrical connections.
• Water Not Clear: Ensure proper filtration time, check sand quality, and verify chemical balance of pool water. Perform backwash and rinse cycles as needed.
• Leaks: Inspect all hose connections, O-rings, and gaskets. Tighten connections or replace worn parts.

For more complex issues, consult the comprehensive troubleshooting guide in the official user manual or contact Intex customer support.

8. Specifications

Figure 8.1: Key dimensions of the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump.

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, and customer support, please refer to the official Intex website or the full user manual provided with your product.

Official User Manual (PDF): Download PDF

Intex Official Website: Visit Intex Website