AquaTools AT8230 - User Manual

DE FILTER
Model AT8230
O W N E R’ S M A N U A L
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS
AquaTools U.S. PATENT NO. 5190651 (Other patents pending)
293 Wright Street, Delavan, WI 53115
North America: 800-752-0183, FAX 800-582-2217
International: 262-728-5551, FAX: 262-728-4461, TELEX: ITT 4970245
© 2003, Printed in U.S.A.
AT339 (Rev. 1/30/03)
This manual should be furnished to
the end user of this filter; its use will
reduce service calls and chance of in-
jury and will lengthen filter life.
2161 1295NF
OUTLET
OUTLET
RELEASE
RELEASE
E
N
G
L
I
S
H
F
R
A
N
Ç
A
I
S
E
S
P
A
Ñ
O
L

Summary

General Information

When to Clean the Filter

Guidance on cleaning the filter based on pressure gauge readings and pool accessory performance.

Owners Information

Section to record essential details about the filter's owner and installation.

Specifications

Installation

Piping

Instructions for connecting filter piping, including material and fitting recommendations.

Valves

Guidance on installing isolation valves for easier servicing and proper system flow.

Electrical

Requirements for filter grounding and bonding to meet electrical codes.

Initial Start-Up

Filter Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembly

Detailed steps for safely dismantling the filter tank and its components.

Assembly

Step-by-step guide for correctly reassembling the filter tank and components.

Safety Latch

Information on the filter's safety latch, its function, and replacement if damaged.

Module Cleaning Procedure

Special Cleaning Instructions

Procedures for cleaning scale or oils not removed by basic washing.

System Inspection

Weekly Inspection

Routine checks for filter and pump performance, debris removal, and pressure monitoring.

Winterizing

Troubleshooting Guide

Short Cycle Time

Addresses issues causing the filter to operate for shorter than normal periods.

Low Flow;High Pressure

Diagnoses and resolves problems of reduced water flow and increased pressure.

Low Flow;Low Pressure

Identifies causes for low water flow and low pressure readings.

Plugged Module Cloth

Troubleshooting steps for a filter module that has become clogged.

Pool Water Not Clean

Addresses issues related to cloudy or dirty pool water despite filtration.

Pool Accessories Stop Working

Explains how to address problems with pool accessories related to filter performance.

Repair Parts

Limited Warranty Information

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is an owner's manual for the AquaTools DE Filter, Model AT8230. It provides comprehensive information regarding the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the filter, along with safety instructions and a parts list.

Function Description:

The AquaTools DE Filter, Model AT8230, is designed to filter water for swimming pools. It utilizes diatomaceous earth (DE) as a filter medium to remove dirt, large particles, and foreign matter from pool water, returning clean water to the pool. The modular design allows for efficient filtration and easier maintenance compared to some other filter types. The filter is intended for use in pool and spa installations and should not be connected to city water or individual well systems due to pressure limitations.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Model: AT8230
• Filter Area: 30 sq. ft. (2.8 m²)
• DE Used: 6 lbs. (2.7 kg.)
• Maximum Flow Rate: 60 gpm (227 L/m)
• Max. Operating Pressure: 50 psi (345 kPa)
• Max. Continuous Water Temperature: 104°F (40°C)
• Minimum Service Height: 38.5 inches (978 mm)
• Diameter: 18.58 inches (472 mm)
• Drain Plug: 2.25 inches (57 mm)
• Inlet/Outlet: 2" NPT
• Pressure Drop Curve: A graph illustrates the relationship between pressure drop (in psi/kPa) and flow in gallons per minute (LPM), showing increasing pressure drop with higher flow rates. For example, at 60 GPM (227 LPM), the pressure drop is approximately 8 psi (55.2 kPa).
• Recommended DE Manufacturers: Johns Manville (Celite 545™), GREFCO, Inc. (Decalite 4200™), Eagle-Picher Minerals, Inc. (Celatom™).

Usage Features:

• Initial Startup: Requires securely locking the Posi-Lok™ ring, filling the pump trap with water, opening the air release valve, opening isolation valves, starting the pump to purge air, and then closing the air release valve once a steady stream of water emerges.
• DE Precoat: To prevent damage to the element fabric, the filter must always be operated with a diatomaceous earth precoat. Six pounds of DE are recommended for Model AT8230, mixed with water to form a slurry and slowly emptied into the skimmer. Using the correct amount of DE is crucial for even precoat and element lifespan.
• Pressure Monitoring: The filter's cleaning interval is determined by a 10 PSI (69 kPa) increase over the initial startup pressure. The pressure gauge must be maintained in good working order and replaced if damaged.
• Air Release Valve: The air release valve on top of the filter must be opened to vent all air from the system before operating or testing the equipment. It should also be opened each time the pump is stopped and restarted.
• Safety Latch: The Posi-Lok™ ring features a safety latch that must be securely engaged to prevent accidental opening under pressure.
• Piping Connections: The manual provides guidelines for proper piping, including using teflon tape or specific sealants on male connections of plastic pipe and fittings, avoiding pipe compounds on plastic pipe, and supporting pipes independently to prevent strain on the filter. Union couplings are recommended for ease of maintenance.
• Valve Installation: Isolation valves should be installed on both sides of the filter for easy servicing. A check valve is recommended at the heater inlet (if no internal check valve) to prevent hot water from damaging the filter modules and ahead of the filter inlet to prevent contaminants from draining back into the pool.
• Electrical Requirements: All electrical wiring, grounding, and bonding must meet local and National Electrical Code standards.

Maintenance Features:

• Module Cleaning Procedure: The filter module should be cleaned when the pressure gauge reading increases 10 PSI over the startup pressure. This involves disassembling the filter, removing the module, and hosing it down thoroughly to remove spent DE and contaminants. The air bleed filter at the top of the module should also be inspected and cleaned.
• Special Cleaning Instructions: For scale or oil deposits not removed by hosing, special chemical cleaning procedures are outlined. These involve sponging or spraying the module with chemical cleaners, or soaking it in a separate tank. Strict adherence to chemical manufacturer's instructions and proper disposal of spent chemicals are emphasized.
• O-ring Lubrication: The O-ring should be lubricated only with silicone grease to prevent swelling. Lubrication of the Posi-Lok™ ring or threads on the lower tank shell is not recommended as it can collect grit.
• Winterizing: Before winterizing, the filter should be cleaned. The procedure involves stopping the pump, opening all valves and drain plugs to drain the system, and protecting areas that retain water with non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze. The filter module should be removed and stored in a warm, dry area. If equipped with an internal spring check valve, it should be manually opened to drain trapped water. The filter should be covered to prevent water entrance and freezing.
• Weekly Inspection: Includes removing debris from the pool skimmer basket, checking the pump for leaks, and ensuring the filter pressure is within normal operating parameters.
• Troubleshooting Guide: Provides solutions for common issues such as short cycle time, low flow/high pressure, low flow/low pressure, plugged module cloth, pool water not clean, and pool accessories not working.
• Warranty: AquaTools provides a limited warranty for its products, including a 10-year pro-rated warranty for filter tanks and a 1-year warranty for internal filter components and valves. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship and requires professional installation and maintenance.

AquaTools AT8230 Specifications

General

Brand	AquaTools
Model	AT8230
Category	Swimming Pool Filter
Language	English