One of Pentairs cartridge filters is the System 3 SM Series Modular Media Filters. These filters from Sta-Rite handle 2–3 times more dirt than other filters to deliver maintenance-free performance for up to a full season. The balanced-flow tank hydraulics direct water through each side of the filter module for uniform dirt loading, no clogging, and long, unattended operation. Complete media coverage combined with shallow pleats for greater dirt-holding capacities, longer filter cycles, and less cleaning. The shallow pleat design also permits quick and thorough cleaning. These filters are big and can seem a bit intimidating to clean. Today I am here to go over step by step how to clean Pentairs System 3 SM Series Modular cartridge Media Filter.
Steps:
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Turn the filter pump breaker off to prevent water from entering the tank.
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Remove the tank drain from the bottom of the filter and allow the water to empty from the tank
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Loosen tank clamps until you can lift them away from the tank to remove them. Remove all of the clamps.
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Lift the filter lid from the sides of the tank and set aside
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Firmly grip the small center cartridge by wiggling left and right and lifting it up. Inspect the clean water return port on the bottom of the element. If it is cracked, you will need to replace the cartridge.
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Remove the large filter the same way, and inspect the clean water return port on the bottom of the element. If it is cracked, you will need to replace the cartridge.
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Begin hosing the cartridges from top to bottom, once clean, apply a cleaning filter solution. This will remove oils and metals from the cartridges. Using the cleaning solution will decrease the number of times the filters will need to be cleaned.
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Visually inspect between pleats for tears. If tears or holes are observed anywhere, you will need to replace the cartridge. Torn pleats will allow dirt and debris to bypass the filter, making the pool water cloudy.
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Clean out the tank by spraying with the hose. Remove the o-ring and clean the o-ring groove on the tank.
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Clean the air bleeder screen with the hose.
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Inspect collector o-rings, and replace them if warped or defective. The replacement part numbers are 35505-1428 and 35505-1429.
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Inspect the air bleeder assembly. Grip the tube and remove it from the base. If broken or any holes the air bleed screen part number is 25021-0004.
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Replace tank o-ring if needed. The replacement part number for the 21” tank is 24850-0008 and the 25” Tank is 24850-0009.
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Now to put the filter back together you will place the large filter in the tank first. On top of the filter, there is an arrow, the arrow points to the collector port that needs to be lined up with the inlet on the bottom of the filter.
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Repeat with the smaller cartridge.
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Install the filter lid back on the tank.
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Install the tank clamps. Begin tightening to two-finger tightness, just letting the clamps grip on the outside of the tank.
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Tighten clamps in a star pattern, this verifies clamps are tightened to a similar tightness.
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Open air relief valve completely wide open. Reinstall tank drain. Turn on filter pump breaker. The pump should begin to prime. The air will be expelled from the air relief port. Do not stand over the filter during the priming process.
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Once expelling air becomes a stream of water, close the air bleeder.
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