Bestway FLOWCLEAR™ Sand Filter

Safety Instructions

WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND KEEP THEM.

When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions must be followed, including:

• This device must be powered only through a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a maximum tripping current of 30 mA.
• The power outlet must be located at least 4 meters from the pool and at a height of at least 1.2 meters above the ground. This outlet must always be accessible for immediate disconnection of the filter in case of danger.
• ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD: The device must not be used when people are in the pool. If the filter is damaged, access to the pool must be prohibited.
• DO NOT BURY THE POWER CORD. Position the power cord so it cannot be damaged by lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, or other equipment.
• Risk of electric shock: Replace a damaged cord immediately. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a qualified person. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not use an extension cord to connect to the power supply. Ensure a properly located outlet.
• It is dangerous to use the filter with an incompatible electrical power source; this can cause serious damage to the device.
• Never remove the grounding or modify the power cord plug in any way.
• Do not use splitters. Consult a qualified electrician for any questions regarding outlet grounding.
• Handle the device with care. Do not pull or carry the device by the power cord. Never disconnect the device from the outlet by pulling the power cord. Protect the power cord from damage and wear. Do not expose the filter to sharp objects, oil, moving parts, or heat.
• Before working on the electrical equipment, always unplug the power cord from the outlet. Failure to follow this procedure increases the risk of electric shock, injury, and possible death.
• Do not connect or disconnect the device with wet hands.
• Always unplug the power cord from the outlet when:
  • It is raining
  • Before cleaning and other maintenance
  • You leave the device unattended (e.g., on vacation)
• If the device will not be used for an extended period or before winter, it must be dismantled, drained, cleaned, dried, and stored in a place protected from frost.

NOTE: This device is intended for use exclusively with inflatable seasonal pools. Do not use it with permanently installed pools. Inflatable pools are designed to be easily disassembled for storage and reassembled to their original state. Permanently installed pools are in-ground or above-ground pools or pools inside buildings that cannot be easily disassembled for storage.

This device must not be used by persons (including children) with physical, sensory, or mental impairments, or with a lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are supervised or have been provided with instructions on operating the device by a person responsible for their safety. Children must be supervised to ensure they do not play with the device. Cleaning and maintenance must not be performed by children unless they are supervised.

NOTES:

Installation and Placement

Place the filter on a firm, level surface. Ensure adequate ventilation, drainage, and access for filter cleaning when positioning the filter relative to the pool. Never place the filter in a location where water may accumulate or in a high-traffic area around the pool.

Ensure the pool and sand filter are positioned to allow adequate ventilation, drainage, and access for maintenance. Never place the sand filter in an area that may accumulate water or on a pedestrian path with many people.

The outlet socket must be accessible after pool installation. This socket must be at least 3.5 meters from the pool.

Weather conditions can affect the performance and lifespan of the filter. Excessive wear and cracks may appear during cold, heat, or sun exposure. If possible, protect the filter from these conditions by covering it.

Before using the device, inspect it thoroughly. If any defect or missing part is found at the time of purchase, notify your dealer immediately. Verify that the device components match the filter type you intended to purchase.

Replace any damaged parts as soon as possible. Use only manufacturer-approved parts.

Do not add any chemicals to the filter.

If chemical substances are used to clean pool water, it is recommended not to enter the pool until the recommended filtration cycle has passed to protect the health of pool users.

Use only filter media supplied or intended by the manufacturer.

It is important to regularly check the suction openings during operation to ensure they are clear and free of debris.

We recommend stopping the filtration during maintenance of the filtration system.

Perform backwashing and rinsing of the filter media once a week. To ensure clean pool water, the filter should operate at least 8 hours a day.

Replace any damaged parts or assembly kits as soon as possible. Use only original spare parts supplied by the manufacturer, i.e., the party responsible for placing the product on the market.

Regularly check and clean all filters and filter media to prevent clogging, which could impair the proper functioning of the filter. Used filter media must be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Follow all safety instructions and recommendations in the manual.

If you have any doubts regarding the filter or other water circulation devices, contact your dealer or manufacturer. The installation of water circulation devices must comply with European and national regulations, especially regarding electrical installations.

Any change in valve position, hose length, suction and return fittings, or pump may cause changes in flow rate and speed.

This product is not intended for commercial use.

Read this manual carefully and save it for future disassembly and reassembly of the device. Always follow this manual.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Parts List

Familiarize yourself with the components before assembling the filter.

Optional - may not be included in the package.

Parameters

Control Valve

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the device or injury, always turn off the filter before changing the position of the control valve. Changing the valve position while the filter pump is running can damage the control valve and may cause injury or property damage.

How to use the control valve: Push the control valve lever and turn it to the desired function.

Control Valve Positions

The control valve has 6 positions, allowing for 6 filtration functions: Filter, Rinse, Bypass, Backwash, Drain (Waste), Closed.

• Filter: Used for filtering pool water. Operates 99% of the time. Water is pumped through the sand filter, cleaned, and returned to the pool.
• Backwash: Used for cleaning the sand. Water is pumped down into the water collector, then flows up through the sand, flushing out debris through outlet D.
• Rinse: Used for the first use of new sand, and for cleaning the sand after backwashing. Water is pumped down through the sand and flushes out debris through outlet D.
• Bypass: Allows water to circulate through the filter and bypass the sand filter.
• Drain (Waste): Drains water from the pool, used for lowering water levels or removing large debris. Water is pumped without passing through the filter and is discharged through outlet D.
• Closed: Closes all water flow to the pump and pool. DO NOT USE THIS FUNCTION WITH THE PUMP RUNNING!!!

NOTE: Ensure you comply with all legislative requirements regarding wastewater disposal when draining water. Do not pour water into areas where it could cause flooding damage.

If the control valve is set to Backwash, Rinse, or Drain, water will flow from outlet D on the control valve. Before starting the pump in these positions, remove the cap from outlet D, otherwise, the valve, filter, and potentially health or property may be damaged.

Do not start the pump with the control valve in the Closed position. This risks damaging the valve, filter, and potentially causing health or property damage.

Do not manipulate the control valve lever during filter operation. This may cause water leakage and damage to the internal sealing elements of the control valve.

During normal filtration, with the control valve in the Filter position, ensure the cap is screwed onto outlet D to prevent possible water leakage from this outlet.

Using Hose Adapters

Using Hose Adapters:

1. Insert adapter (7) into the coupling nut (6).
2. Attach the hose to the assembled adapter and tighten the hose clamp (9).
3. Attach the assembly to the corresponding port with the flat gasket and screw on the nut.

NOTE: Tighten the hose clamp sufficiently, but do not overtighten. Always turn off the filter unit power before loosening or tightening adapter nuts. When installing, always ensure the gasket under the adapter is not damaged and is properly seated.

Using the Garden Hose Adapter:

1. Insert adapter (15) into the coupling nut (6).
2. Attach the assembly to port D with the flat gasket and screw on the nut.
3. Attach the garden hose with a quick connector to the adapter.

NOTE: Always turn off the filter unit power before loosening or tightening adapter nuts. When installing, always ensure the gasket under the adapter is not damaged and is properly seated.

Assembly

(You will need a Phillips head screwdriver.)

1. Carefully remove all components from the packaging and check for any damage. If the device is damaged, contact the dealer where it was purchased immediately.
2. The filter should be placed on a firm, level surface, preferably a concrete slab. Position the filter so that the connection ports and control valve remain accessible for operation, maintenance, and winterization.
3. Standard EN 60335-2-41 TEST requires the filter to be secured vertically to the ground or a stable wooden or concrete base before use. The base should have two 8 mm diameter holes spaced 285 mm apart. Place the filter on the base and secure them together by tightening suitable screws and nuts. The entire filter assembly with the base should weigh more than 18 kg to prevent accidental tipping of the device.

Filling the Tank with Sand

NOTE: Use only special filter sand, free of limestone or clay: #20 silica sand with a grain size of at least 0.45 - 0.85 mm, approximately 8.5 kg. Using coarser filter sand than recommended may reduce the filter's efficiency. Using finer sand may cause sand to be washed into the pool and risks damaging the filter and voiding the warranty.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the water collector when filling the tank with sand, pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the tank to submerge it.

NOTE: SAND IS NOT INCLUDED.

Connecting the Filter to the Pool and for Backwashing/Rinsing

NOTE: Ensure the control valve is set to the Closed position.

Your pool must be filled with water. Ensure the strainers (26) are completely submerged in water.

1. Connect one end of the hose to port B on the filter inlet and ensure the O-ring is correctly positioned. Secure the connection by tightening the hose clamp (9).
2. Connect the other end of the hose to the pool (B).
3. Remove the plug from the inside of the pool (B) and replace it with a strainer (26).
4. Attach the hose from the outside of the pool to the strainer and secure the connection by tightening the hose clamp (9).

NOTE: It is important to ensure that all components: hoses, strainer, and pool wall fitting, are properly aligned.

1. Screw the hose onto port D of the control valve (refer to the accessory leaflet for hose adapter installation) and place the other end of the hose where water can drain.
2. After checking the hose connections, you can proceed to fill the pool with water according to the pool's user manual.

Backwash and Rinse

Backwashing and rinsing must be performed before the first use of new sand to wash out fine dust particles.

WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE FILTER WITHOUT WATER.

1. Push the control valve lever and turn it to the Backwash position.
2. Plug in the filter and run the filter for 3-5 minutes, or until clear water flows from outlet D.
3. Turn off the filter and set the control valve to the Rinse position.
4. Plug in the filter and run the filter for approximately 1 minute.
5. Turn off the filter and set the control valve to the Closed position.
6. Fill the pool with water.

IMPORTANT: This procedure will reduce the amount of water that needs to be added to the pool. Turn off the filter immediately once the water level drops close to the pool's suction strainer.

DO NOT OPERATE THE FILTER WITHOUT WATER.

Completing Filter Installation

Connecting the Second Hose

NOTE: It is necessary to check that the installation components are not clogged.

NOTE: Ensure the control valve is set to the Closed position.

1. Disconnect the hose from port D.
2. Screw hose (25) onto valve port A.
3. Connect the other end of hose (25) to the pool (A).
4. Remove the plug from the inside of the pool (A) and replace it with a strainer (26).
5. Attach hose (25) from the outside of the pool to the strainer and secure the connection by tightening the hose clamp (9).

NOTE: It is important to ensure that all components: hoses, strainer, and pool wall fitting, are properly aligned.

Venting

1. Remove the cap from port D.
2. Set the control valve lever to the Drain position and wait until water starts flowing from port D.
3. Set the control valve to the Filter position.

NOTE: It is important to repeat the venting process each time the filter is commissioned, e.g., after winterization, maintenance, or sand backwashing.

Filter Operation

1. The filter is now ready for use. Set the control valve to the Filter position.

NOTE: To prevent the risk of electric shock, allow the filter and its immediate surroundings to dry before starting the filter. Do not handle the electrical supply with wet hands.

1. Plug in the power cord and start the filter.

NOTE: The filter has now started its filtration cycle. Ensure water is returning to the pool and note the pressure on the manometer. Generally, during normal operation, the pressure on the manometer is less than 0.25 bar (3.5 PSI).

Filter Maintenance

CAUTION: Before any maintenance, turn off the filter by unplugging the power cord from the outlet. Otherwise, there is a risk of property damage, serious injury, or death.

During filter operation, debris accumulates in its tank, resisting water flow, which is indicated by an increase in pressure on the manometer. If the pressure exceeds 0.25 bar (3 PSI) or you notice a decrease in water flow to the pool, it is time to clean the sand.

Follow the instructions in sections II and III: Backwash and Rinse for cleaning the sand.

NOTE: The manometer is for maintenance purposes only. The pressure reading is only indicative and cannot be taken as precise.

NOTE: It is recommended to clean the sand filter at least once a month, or more often depending on how frequently the pool is used.

Cleaning the Pre-filter

1. Turn off the filter and set the control valve to the Closed position.
2. Replace the pool's suction strainer with a plug to prevent water leakage.
3. Disconnect the hose from the filter inlet and unscrew the pre-filter cap.
4. Remove the pre-filter and clean off any debris.
5. Reinstall the pre-filter in its original position. Ensure the pre-filter is properly seated in its place.
6. Ensure the O-ring is in place. Screw the pre-filter cap back on.
7. Reinstall the hose and replace the plug with the suction strainer.

NOTE: The pre-filter must be cleaned regularly. A dirty or clogged pre-filter reduces filtration performance.

Lowering Water Level or Draining Pool Water

1. Turn off the filter and set the control valve to the Drain position.
2. Disconnect the hose from the pool (A) and the filter (A) and connect it to port D on the valve.

NOTE: Remember to replace the strainer inside the pool with a plug to prevent water leakage.

1. Turn on the filter and let water drain from the pool as needed.

WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE FILTER WITHOUT WATER.

Winterization

In areas where there is a risk of water freezing, the device and pool must be winterized in time before the frost arrives to protect against damage. Frost damage is not covered by the warranty.

1. Perform cleaning of the sand filter as previously described in sections II and III.
2. Drain the pool according to the instructions in the pool's user manual.
3. Disconnect both hoses from the pool and filter and allow all water to drain from the filter.
4. Completely empty the sand tank and dry all components.
5. Store the filter in a dry place, out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Manufacturer's Limited Warranty

The purchased product is covered by a limited two-year warranty. Bestway® warrants the quality of manufacturing and system tightness. It does not cover leaks caused by incorrect assembly or insufficient tightening of connections.

To claim the warranty, this form must be fully completed and returned to an authorized dealer along with a copy of your proof of purchase.

Everything must be sent to the after-sales service address of the authorized dealer. For details, please contact your dealer.

Bestway® is not responsible for economic losses including costs for water and chemicals. Except for product replacement, Bestway® is not responsible for the consequences of leaks. Bestway® will not replace products whose maintenance has been neglected or that have not been used according to the user manual.

Note the filter's Batch Number located on its body.

Batch Number:

TO: BESTWAY® SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Date of Sale:

DATE:

Customer Code:

FAX/E-MAIL/TEL: Refer to your country's information on the back of the manual or on our website: www.bestway-service.com

Provide your full address. Note: An incomplete address may cause delivery delays.

Bestway reserves the right to charge for redelivery of undelivered shipments if the error is found to be on the recipient's side.

REQUIRED INFORMATION – PLEASE PROVIDE DELIVERY ADDRESS

Name:

Country:

Telephone:

Dealer:

Address:

City:

Mobile:

Fax:

E-MAIL:

Postal Code:

Please clearly write your item code:

Item Code

FLOWCLEAR™ SAND FILTER MODEL

#XXXXXX

Illustrations are for illustrative purposes only. Not to scale.

Description of Problem

• Water leakage
• Stopped working
• Item is incomplete, which part is missing – please provide the code from the manual
• Other, please specify

IMPORTANT: ONLY DAMAGED PARTS WILL BE REPLACED, NOT THE ENTIRE SET.

Bestway reserves the right to request photographic documentation of defective parts or require the item to be sent for further testing. To help us assist you best, please provide all your information completely.

FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, MANUALS, VIDEOS, OR SPARE PARTS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BESTWAY-SERVICE.COM.

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