Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter (Pressure Valve)

Animal827 · Jun 9, 2023

My apologies for duplicating this thread, but the other ones were from a while back.

I recently transitioned from a Hayward DE Filter to this Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter. There are many references in the Hayward documents and other internet sources, to release the pressure by using a valve. While this was true on the DE filter, this is not true on the sand filter since there is no valve. Some have suggested removing the top of the filter, but when I contacted Hayward, they mentioned something about changing any valve. That was vague, so I am trying here for some clarification.

I initially only wanted to change my pressure gauge, but since I am going through this trouble, I figured I would clean out my filter basket in my Pentair SuperFlo VST (2.2 HP) pump as well. How do I know it is safe to start unscrewing and opening things?

1poolman1 · Jun 9, 2023

Animal827 said:
My apologies for duplicating this thread, but the other ones were from a while back.

I recently transitioned from a Hayward DE Filter to this Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter. There are many references in the Hayward documents and other internet sources, to release the pressure by using a valve. While this was true on the DE filter, this is not true on the sand filter since there is no valve. Some have suggested removing the top of the filter, but when I contacted Hayward, they mentioned something about changing any valve. That was vague, so I am trying here for some clarification.

I initially only wanted to change my pressure gauge, but since I am going through this trouble, I figured I would clean out my filter basket in my Pentair SuperFlo VST (2.2 HP) pump as well. How do I know it is safe to start unscrewing and opening things?

On a sand filter there is seldom any pressure when the system is off. Once you open the pump lid any that might be present will be gone. If you're really worried, rotate the valve to backwash. If there happened to be pressure it would just go out the backwash line, as long as there is no valve or cap on it. Be sure to always rotate the backwash valve in one direction only, doesn't matter which, not to one position and then reverse to the first, go all the way around. Easier on the gasket in the valve.

Because you're not opening the pressure vessel (filter tank) there is no danger, really. The release of pressure was in instructions for a filter that may be opened, like a cartridge filter, where the tank is opened to clean the filter. Not an issue with your system.

Animal827 · Jun 9, 2023

1poolman1 said:
On a sand filter there is seldom any pressure when the system is off. Once you open the pump lid any that might be present will be gone. If you're really worried, rotate the valve to backwash. If there happened to be pressure it would just go out the backwash line, as long as there is no valve or cap on it. Be sure to always rotate the backwash valve in one direction only, doesn't matter which, not to one position and then reverse to the first, go all the way around. Easier on the gasket in the valve.

Because you're not opening the pressure vessel (filter tank) there is no danger, really. The release of pressure was in instructions for a filter that may be opened, like a cartridge filter, where the tank is opened to clean the filter. Not an issue with your system.

Thank you for simplifying this response. That is exactly what I just did thinking the same thing you explained, but needed this verification for peace of mind.

Animal827 · Jun 9, 2023

This worked, so I will highlight my steps I took (at least for my own reference

).

Turned off pump
- Waited a couple of minutes
Changed multiport valve to backwash
- This step might not be needed
Unscrewed pressure gauge
- Small amount of air released from pressure gauge port and the water level dropped in the pump filter basket
Unscrewed top of pump filter basket
- Water level decreased further in pump filter basket
Cleaned pump filter basket and added a small bucket of water to help pump prime
- Noticed that not all the water I poured remained in the basket, but most did
Screwed top of pump filter basket and pressure gauge (with plumber tape)
Confirmed multiport valve was set to filter and turned on pump
- Noticed that the pump filter basket had a significantly smaller air pocket bubble (I am thinking that is good)

I did notice a tiny drip leak (1 drop every 3 to 5 minutes) from my pressure gauge, but this is probably more about how I screwed it on that this process. I will check tomorrow for leak progression, and reapply my own plumbers tape (it came prewrapped from Hayward).

1poolman1 · Jun 10, 2023

Animal827 said:
This worked, so I will highlight my steps I took (at least for my own reference ).

Turned off pump

Waited a couple of minutes

Changed multiport valve to backwash

This step might not be needed

Unscrewed pressure gauge

Small amount of air released from pressure gauge port and the water level dropped in the pump filter basket

Unscrewed top of pump filter basket

Water level decreased further in pump filter basket

Cleaned pump filter basket and added a small bucket of water to help pump prime

Noticed that not all the water I poured remained in the basket, but most did

Screwed top of pump filter basket and pressure gauge (with plumber tape)

Confirmed multiport valve was set to filter and turned on pump

Noticed that the pump filter basket had a significantly smaller air pocket bubble (I am thinking that is good)

I did notice a tiny drip leak (1 drop every 3 to 5 minutes) from my pressure gauge, but this is probably more about how I screwed it on that this process. I will check tomorrow for leak progression, and reapply my own plumbers tape (it came prewrapped from Hayward).

If you continue to remove and install the pressure gauge you will damage the valve. There is no need to do so. Each time you reinstall it it will need to be tightened a bit more to seal. Pipe threads are tapered and eventually you will find that the port has been wedged open so much it won't seal and that is new valve time.
If you are very concerned, you could install one of these (you won't need the large threaded "cap" as that goes into a System 3 filter):

Pentair 24850-0105 System:3 AIR Relief Valve And Gauge Kit

The Pentair 24850-0105 System:3 AIR Relief Valve And Gauge Kit is an excellent choice for your needs! Get yours today from Pool Warehouse!

www.poolwarehouse.com

Or make your own with the following parts and use your existing gauge:

https://www.grainger.com/product/13...VCQKtBh3ATgFfEAQYBSABEgKoS_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-4-in-Brass-Drain-Cock-Kob/3414734?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-LIA_TOL_153_Pneumatics-And-Compressors-_-3414734-_-local-_-0-_-0&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxrPW6IS5_wIVDiutBh34pwiSEAQYBSABEgJiKvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Animal827 · Jun 14, 2023

1poolman1 said:
If you continue to remove and install the pressure gauge you will damage the valve. There is no need to do so. Each time you reinstall it it will need to be tightened a bit more to seal. Pipe threads are tapered and eventually you will find that the port has been wedged open so much it won't seal and that is new valve time.
If you are very concerned, you could install one of these (you won't need the large threaded "cap" as that goes into a System 3 filter)

Thanks for this information! It seemed the 1 drop every 3 to 5 minutes has stopped. I have been checking everyday, so not sure why the first couple of hours it was dripping so slowly. The multiport valve the pressure gauge screws into is only 2 to 3 years old, and this is my first pressure gauge change. I hope I do not have to change the pressure gauge again. I will NOT remove the pressure gauge if I need to release pressure from the system (it was only needed this time to actually change the pressure gauge).