Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter System User Manual

Introduction

The Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter System is designed to provide efficient and environmentally friendly filtration for your swimming pool. This system utilizes quartz sand or Polysphere filter balls to effectively remove dirt and debris, ensuring clean and healthy pool water. This manual provides essential information for the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of your sand filter system.

Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before installing and using this product. Failure to follow these instructions can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.

• Always disconnect the power supply before performing any maintenance or cleaning on the filter system.
• Ensure the filter system is placed on a stable, level surface.
• Do not operate the filter system if it is damaged or malfunctioning.
• Keep children and pets away from the filter system during operation.
• Only use the recommended filter media (quartz sand #20, 0.45-0.85mm, or Bestway Polysphere filter balls).
• Ensure all connections are secure and leak-free before starting the pump.
• Protect the electrical components from water exposure.

Parts List

Familiarize yourself with the components of your Flowclear Sand Filter System:

• Filtration Tank
• Pump Motor
• Control Valve (Multi-port valve)
• Pressure Gauge
• Basket Strainer (Pre-filter)
• Hoses and Connectors
• ChemConnect Chemical Doser

Image: Diagram illustrating the main components of the sand filter system, including the control valve, basket strainer, filtration tank, pump motor, and pressure gauge.

Setup

Follow these steps to set up your Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter System:

1. Placement: Position the filter system on a firm, level surface near your pool. Ensure it is at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) away from the pool edge and protected from direct sunlight and rain.
2. Add Filter Media: Unscrew the top of the filtration tank. Carefully add the required amount of filter sand (#20 quartz sand, 0.45-0.85mm, approx. 36 kg) or Polysphere filter balls (approx. 1545g). Ensure the standpipe inside the tank is centered during this process. Do not overfill.
3. Secure Control Valve: Reattach the control valve to the top of the filtration tank, ensuring a tight and secure seal.
4. Connect Hoses: Connect the hoses from your pool to the appropriate inlets and outlets on the filter pump and control valve. Refer to the markings on the valve (e.g., 'A' for pump inlet, 'B' for pool return, 'C' for waste). Ensure all hose clamps are tightened securely to prevent leaks.
5. Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the outlet is protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD) for safety.
6. Prime the Pump: Before starting, ensure the pool water level is adequate. Open all necessary valves on your pool to allow water flow to the pump. Turn the control valve to the 'Filter' position. Briefly turn on the pump until water flows through, then turn it off. This helps remove air from the system.

Image: The sand filter system fully set up and connected to a swimming pool, demonstrating typical placement and hose routing.

Operating

The control valve on your sand filter system has multiple functions:

• FILTER: Normal filtering operation. Water flows through the sand bed, removing impurities, and returns to the pool.
• BACKWASH: Used to clean the filter sand. Water flows in reverse through the sand bed, flushing accumulated dirt out to waste. Perform when pressure gauge reads high.
• RINSE: Used after backwashing to settle the sand bed and flush out any remaining dirty water to waste before returning to FILTER mode.
• WASTE: Bypasses the filter and sends water directly 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 distributing chemicals without filtering.
• CLOSED: Shuts off all flow to the filter and pump. Use for maintenance or when the pool is not in use. Never operate the pump with the valve in the CLOSED position.

To change valve positions: Always turn off the pump before moving the control valve handle. Press down on the handle and rotate it to the desired position, then release.

Image: A hand demonstrating the operation of the multi-port control valve, showing how to press down and rotate the handle to select different functions.

ChemConnect Chemical Doser: The integrated ChemConnect doser ensures even distribution of chlorine tablets (not included) into the pool water. Open the doser, insert appropriate chemical tablets, and close securely. Adjust the opening to control the release rate.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your sand filter system:

• Backwashing: Perform backwashing when the pressure gauge reading is 0.2-0.3 bar (3-5 PSI) above the initial clean pressure, or when water flow to the pool decreases significantly. Turn off the pump, set the valve to BACKWASH, turn on the pump for 2-3 minutes or until water runs clear in the sight glass. Turn off the pump.
• Rinsing: After backwashing, set the valve to RINSE. Turn on the pump for 30-60 seconds. Turn off the pump. This settles the sand and flushes out any remaining dirty water.
• Return to Filter: After rinsing, turn off the pump, set the valve to FILTER, and turn on the pump for normal operation.
• Pre-filter Cleaning: Regularly check and clean the basket strainer (pre-filter) located on the pump. Turn off the pump, open the strainer cover, remove and clean the basket, then reassemble.
• Sand Replacement: Filter sand typically lasts for at least one season, but it is recommended to replace it every 3-5 years depending on usage and water quality. Polysphere filter balls should be cleaned regularly and can last longer.
• Winterization: Before winter, drain all water from the filter system, pump, and hoses. Store components in a dry, frost-free location.

Image: A detailed view of the pump unit, highlighting the transparent pre-filter basket which should be regularly inspected and cleaned.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter System:

• Flow Rate: 11,355 liters per hour (3,000 gallons per hour)
• Power: 500 W
• Voltage: 220-240V, 50Hz
• Filter Tank Material: Robust, corrosion-resistant
• Required Filter Media: Approx. 36 kg (#20 quartz sand, 0.45-0.85mm) OR Approx. 1545g Bestway Polysphere filter balls
• Pool Compatibility: Suitable for pools with a capacity of 1,100 to 60,500 liters (300 to 17,600 gallons)
• Hose Compatibility: 1.5 inch / 1.25 inch (3.8 cm / 3.2 cm)
• Dimensions: 71 x 48.5 x 75 cm (27.95 x 19.09 x 29.53 inches)
• Item Weight: 44 pounds (20 kg)
• Special Feature: Integrated Timer

Image: A visual summary of the sand filter system's specifications, including sand capacity, polysphere capacity, pool compatibility, and hose compatibility.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product at the time of purchase or visit the official Bestway website. If you require technical support or have questions regarding your sand filter system, please contact Bestway customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.