Bestway Flowclear™ Sand Filter Owner's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: To prevent equipment damage and possible injury, always switch off the sand filter before changing the Control Valve function. Changing valve positions while the pump is running can damage the Control Valve, which may cause personal injury or property damage.

How to Use the Control Valve:

Press down on the Control Valve handle and rotate to the desired function.

Control Valve Functions:

The Control Valve is used to select 6 different filter functions:

• Filter: Used to filter pool water. Water is pumped through the sand filter for cleaning.
• Backwash: Used to clean the sand bed. Water is pumped down through the Collector Hub, upwards through the sand bed, and deposited out of Port D.
• Rinse: For initial startup, cleaning, and sand bed leveling after Backwash. Water is pumped downwards through the sand bed, up through the Collector Hub, and deposited out of Port D.
• Circulate: Circulates pool water bypassing the sand filter. Use this function to collect debris in the Debris Screens if the filter is broken.
• Drain: Drains water from the pool. Water is pumped and deposited out of Port D, instead of returning to the pool.
• Closed: Stops water flow between the sand filter and the pool.

Notes:

• Ensure all wastewater disposal provisions meet applicable local, state, or national codes.
• Water will discharge from Port D when the Control Valve is set to Backwash, Rinse, or Drain.
• Do not operate the sand filter with the Control Valve set to Closed, as this will seriously damage the sand filter.
• Do not set the Control Valve between two functions to avoid leaking.
• Screw the Port D Cap onto the Control Valve Port D before operating the sand filter to prevent water leakage.

Parts Reference Overview

Before assembling the sand filter, familiarize yourself with all the parts.

The sand filter system consists of a main tank, a control valve, a pump, a pressure gauge, and various hoses and fittings. Key components include the tank base, hub, pollution cartridge, strainers, filter cartridges, and a control valve with multiple ports.

Specifications

• Filter Diameter: 437mm
• Effective Filter Area: 1.61ft² (0.150m²)
• Max. Operating Pressure: 1.58Bar (23PSI)
• Working sand filter pressure: <0.56Mpa (8PSI)
• Max. Water Temperature: 40°C
• Sand: Not included (#20 silica sand, 0.45-0.85mm)
• Sand Capacity: Approximately 35kg

Assembly Instructions

Section I: Assembly

You will need a Phillips screwdriver.

1. Carefully unpack all components and check for damage. Notify the retailer if any parts are damaged.
2. Place the sand filter on solid, level ground, preferably a concrete slab. Ensure ports and control valve are accessible for operation, servicing, and winterizing.
3. The sand filter must be vertically fixed on the ground or a pedestal to prevent falling. Mounting holes are 8mm in diameter and spaced 86mm apart. Use two bolts and nuts (max 8mm diameter) to fasten.
4. Load pool-grade filter sand (not included). Use #20 Silica sand (0.45-0.85mm), approximately 35kg.
5. To avoid damaging the Skimmer, pour some water into the Bottom Tank to submerge the Skimmer on the Hub before adding sand.
6. Add sand until it reaches between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks.
7. Assemble the control valve over the tank, ensuring the bypass pipe fits securely into the hub.
8. Align Port C on the Control Valve with Port C on the Pump. Attach the Top Flange Clamp and screw into position.
9. Attach the Piping to the Pump Port C and Control Valve Port C, securing with threaded locking rings. Ensure washers are properly positioned on both ends of the Piping.

Hose Configuration for Backwashing and Rinsing

Ensure the Control Valve is set to the Closed function. The pool must be filled with water, and all Debris Screens (24) must be fully submerged.

Method A (if T-joint is included):

1. Attach one end of the hose (23) to the sand filter's Port B; screw the threaded locking ring into position.
2. Connect both ends of hoses (32mm) to the pool valves marked "B", place the loose Hose Clamps (P6124) on the end of the Hoses. Connect both free ends of hoses (32mm) to the T-joint (P61408) by tightening the Hose Clamps.
3. Screw the other end of the hose (23) to the T-joint (25), screw the threaded locking ring into position.
4. Remove the pool outlet valve stopper plugs and insert the Debris Screens (24). With the Hoses and Debris Screens in position, tighten the Hose Clamps (22).

Method B (if T-joint is not included):

1. Attach one Hose (23) to the sand filter's Port B; screw the threaded locking ring into position.
2. Screw the other end of the Hose (23) to the Port B connection valve; screw the threaded locking ring into position.
3. Open the connection valve.

Connect the remaining hose (23) to Port D and place the opposite end in a drain area.

Backwash and Rinsing

This procedure prepares the pump for its first use and washes the sand.

CAUTION: DO NOT DRY RUN THE SAND FILTER.

1. Press down on the Control Valve handle and rotate to the Backwash function.
2. Insert the plug into a residual current device, and run the sand filter for 3-5 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
3. Switch off the sand filter and set the Control Valve to the Rinse function.
4. Switch on the sand filter and run for 1 minute. This circulates water backwards through the sand filter and drains water out Port D.
5. Switch off the sand filter. Set the Control Valve to the Closed function.
6. Top up pool water.

Sand Filter Installation

Section IV: Complete Sand Filter Installation

Connect the Second Hose:

Ensure hydraulic connectors are not obstructed and the Control Valve is set to the Closed function.

1. Detach the Hose (23) from Port D.
2. Attach the Hose (23) to the Control Valve's Port A; screw the threaded locking ring into position.
3. Connect the other end of Hose (23) to the pool's Inlet A.
4. Open the connection valve.

Sand Filter Operation

Section V: Sand Filter Operation

1. Set the Control Valve to the Filter function.
2. Switch on the sand filter to run it.

Note: The sand filter has now started its filtering cycle. Check that water is returning to the pool and take note of the filter pressure on the Pressure Gauge. Generally, the recommended sand filter pressure is less than 0.56Bar (8.0PSI) when it is running.

Sand Filter Maintenance

CAUTION: Ensure the sand filter is switched off and unplugged before any maintenance begins, or severe risk of injury or death exists. As dirt builds up in the sand filter, the pressure reading on the Pressure Gauge will increase. When the Pressure Gauge is 0.56Bar (8.0PSI) or higher, or water flow to the pool is too low, it is time to clean the sand.

To clean the sand bed, follow all instructions outlined previously in Section II and Section III: Backwash and Rinsing.

Notes:

• The Pressure Gauge is just used for measuring the water pressure, not used for precision measurement.
• Clean the sand bed once a month, or less regularly depending on how often the pool is used. Do not clean the sand too frequently.

Cleaning the Strainer

1. Switch off the sand filter and set the Control Valve to the Closed function.
2. Close the connection valves.
3. Unscrew and remove the Strainer Cover.
4. Take out the Strainer and remove any debris.
5. Put the Strainer back into position, ensuring the hole in the strainer is aligned.
6. Ensure the Seal Ring is in place and secure the Strainer Cover back.
7. Open the connection valves.

Note: The Strainer must be emptied and cleaned periodically. A dirty or blocked strainer will reduce the performance of the sand filter.

Lowering or Draining Pool Water

1. Switch off the sand filter and set Control Valve to the Drain function.
2. Detach the Hose from the connection valve's Port A and sand filter Port A, and attach to Port D.
3. Switch on the sand filter to remove pool water.

WARNING: DO NOT DRY RUN THE SAND FILTER.

Winterizing

In areas that have freezing winter temperatures, pool equipment must be winterized to protect against damage. Allowing water to freeze will damage the sand filter and void the warranty.

1. Backwash the sand filter as previously outlined in Section II and Section III.
2. Drain the pool according to the pool owner's manual.
3. Unscrew the drain valve cap at the bottom of the tank and release the remaining water.
4. Disconnect the two Hoses from the pool and the sand filter.
5. Completely pour the sand out of the tank and dry all components.
6. Store the sand filter in a dry location out of child's reach.

Troubleshooting

Limited Bestway® Manufacturer's Warranty

Bestway® offers a limited warranty against manufacturer's defects resulting in leaks. The warranty period is 360 days for motor pumps and 30 days for hoses, fittings, and accessories from the original purchase date.

To enact a warranty claim, complete this form and supply a copy of your purchase receipt to your local Bestway After Sales Center. Contact your local center for instructions before sending documents.

Bestway® is not responsible for economic loss due to water or chemical costs. Products damaged due to negligence, misuse, or use outside manual guidelines are not covered.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects discovered during unpacking or recommended use. It does not cover products modified by third parties or damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, collision, fire, incorrect voltage, excessive heat, improper installation, wiring, testing, or storage.

Replacements and repairs do not extend the warranty duration. The warranty start date is based on the original receipt/purchase invoice.

Batch Number: Please copy the Batch Number located on the body of the sand filter.

Warranty Claim Information:

TO: BESTWAY® SERVICE DEPARTMENT

DATE: [Date of purchase receipt]

Customer Code Number:

FAX/E-MAIL/TEL: Refer to www.bestway-service.com for country-specific contact information.

REQUIRED INFORMATION -- PLEASE WRITE THE DELIVERY ADDRESS:

• Name:
• Address:
• Country:
• City:
• Telephone:
• Fax:
• Retailer:
• Item Code:

Description of problem:

• Water leaking
• Stopped working
• Item is incomplete (Please provide code from manual)
• Others (describe)

IMPORTANT: Only the damaged part will be replaced, not the complete set. Bestway reserves the right to request photographic evidence or testing of defective parts.

For FAQs, Manuals, Videos, or Spare Parts, visit www.bestway-service.com. Videos are also available on the Bestway YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/user/BestwayService.

Authorized Service Centers

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