1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Bestway Flowclear 1000-gallon Sand Filter. This system is designed to maintain clean water in your above-ground pool by filtering out debris using silica sand. Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use.
Image 1.1: Assembled Bestway Flowclear 1000gal Sand Filter.
2. Safety Information
- Always disconnect the power supply to the filter pump before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or servicing.
- Ensure the filter system is placed on a solid, level surface to prevent tipping.
- Do not operate the filter if any parts are damaged, missing, or if the power cord is frayed.
- Keep children and pets away from the filter system during operation.
- Follow all local electrical codes and safety standards when installing and operating this equipment.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- Bestway Flowclear 1000gal Sand Filter Unit
- Hoses and connectors
- Instruction Manual
Note: Filter sand (silica sand) is NOT included and must be purchased separately.
4. Setup Instructions
Proper setup is crucial for the efficient operation of your sand filter. Follow these steps carefully:
- Positioning the Filter: Place the sand filter on a firm, level surface near your pool. Ensure there is enough space for maintenance and operation.
- Filling with Sand: Remove the multi-port valve from the top of the filter tank. Carefully pour the recommended amount of silica sand (not included) into the tank. Ensure the standpipe is centered during this process. Do not overfill.
- Attaching the Multi-Port Valve: Reattach the multi-port valve to the top of the filter tank, ensuring a secure and watertight seal. The top flange clamp design allows for 360-degree rotation for easy installation and hose alignment.
- Connecting Hoses: Connect the hoses from your pool to the filter system. One hose will connect from the pool's outlet (skimmer or suction port) to the filter pump's inlet. Another hose will connect from the filter's outlet back to the pool's return inlet. A third hose may be needed for the waste port during backwash operations.
Image 4.1: Connecting a hose to the pool's return inlet.
Image 4.2: Connecting a hose to the pool's skimmer or suction port.
- Priming the Pump: Before starting, ensure the pump is primed by filling it with water. Refer to the pump's specific instructions for priming procedures.
- Electrical Connection: Connect the pump to a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the power supply matches the pump's voltage requirements (120 Volts).
Image 4.3: Fully assembled and connected sand filter system next to a pool.
5. Operating Instructions
The Flowclear sand filter features a 6-position valve for various operational modes:
- Filter: Normal filtering mode. Water is pumped through the sand, trapping debris, and returned to the pool.
- Backwash: Reverses water flow through the sand bed to flush trapped debris out to waste. Use when the pressure gauge indicates high pressure.
- Rinse: Used after backwashing to settle the sand bed and flush any remaining dirty water to waste before returning to filter mode.
- Waste: Bypasses the filter and pumps water directly out to waste. Useful for vacuuming heavy debris or lowering pool water level.
- Recirculate: Bypasses the filter and circulates water directly back to the pool. Useful for mixing chemicals without filtering.
- Closed: Shuts off all flow to the filter. Use for pump maintenance or when the pool is not in use.
To change valve positions, ALWAYS turn off the pump first to prevent damage to the multi-port valve.
Image 5.1: The 6-position multi-port valve and pressure gauge.
Starting Filtration:
- Ensure all hoses are securely connected and the pool is filled to the appropriate level.
- Set the multi-port valve to the FILTER position.
- Turn on the pump. The pump will begin drawing water from the pool, filtering it through the sand, and returning clean water to the pool.
- Monitor the pressure gauge. Note the initial operating pressure.
Image 5.2: Operating the sand filter system.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your sand filter.
- Backwashing and Rinsing: When the pressure gauge reads 5-10 PSI above the initial clean operating pressure, it's time to backwash.
- Turn off the pump.
- Set the multi-port valve to BACKWASH.
- Turn on the pump and run until the water in the sight glass (if present) runs clear (typically 2-3 minutes).
- Turn off the pump.
- Set the multi-port valve to RINSE.
- Turn on the pump and run for 30-60 seconds.
- Turn off the pump.
- Set the multi-port valve back to FILTER.
- Turn on the pump to resume normal filtration.
- Sand Replacement: Silica sand typically needs to be changed once every three years, depending on usage and water quality.
- Strainer Cleaning: Periodically check and clean the strainer basket located in the pump to remove large debris that could impede flow.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low Water Flow | Clogged skimmer/pump basket, dirty sand, closed valves, air in system. | Clean baskets, backwash/rinse filter, open all valves, bleed air from system. |
| Cloudy Pool Water | Insufficient filtration time, dirty sand, improper chemical balance. | Increase filtration time, backwash/rinse filter, check and adjust pool chemicals, replace sand if old. |
| Leaks | Loose hose connections, damaged O-rings, faulty multi-port valve. | Inspect and tighten all connections, check and replace O-rings, inspect multi-port valve. |
| Pump Not Starting | No power, tripped circuit breaker, faulty switch. | Check power connection, reset circuit breaker, ensure pump switch is ON. |
8. Specifications
- Brand: Bestway
- Model Number: 58496E
- Item Type Name: 1000gal Sand Filter
- Recommended Pool Size: 300-7,200 gallons
- Pump Flow Rate: 1000 gallons per hour (GPH)
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Material: Acrylic
- Color: Grey
- UPC: 821808584963
9. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information: The manufacturer's warranty description for this product states "No Warranty". Please refer to your retailer's return policy for any issues.
Customer Support: For further assistance, questions, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Bestway website or contact their customer service department directly. You can often find contact information on the product packaging or on the Bestway brand store page.