Installing Pentair FNS Plus Filter and InteliFlo Pump - Need Some Help

[Johnregal]

I've decided to replace my old and failing PacFab DE Filter and 2HP single speed pump.

For the upgrade I purchased
- Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo 3HP pump
- Pentair FNS Plus 60 Sq Ft DE filter (upgraded from 48 Sq Ft)
- Pentair 261152 2" Multiport Valve
- CMP Hi-Temp Unions 2"
- Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Surge Protector

I thought about adding (but didn't)
- Flowvis
- Switching to Chlorine

Below is a photo of my current system before i make the replace
- Pic 1 - total system
- Pic 2 - Close up of existing pump filter and connection to main pump suction
- Pic 3 - Waste line fed by backwash

Here are my questions

1) Should I add a FloVis and if yes, why and where do I install it in my system?

2) If you look at picture #2 i assume the white stuff around the grey PVC pipe and black PVC of the pump is glue and I dont see a lot of space to cut the PVC to remove my pump and add more PVC - Looking for plumbing advice

3) Picture 3 shows the waste line - there is an orange cap in the middle of the line with holes in it. When i do a backwash, water shoots up in the air about 15 ft and makes a mess (as you can see all the DE around my system from a recent backwash). Why is this cap with holes there? Can i remove it

4) Any recommended how to videos for my install?

5) Any reason why I should spend another $1,500 to switch to salt water - i find buying chlorine at costco rather easy

6) Any additional advice on my upgrade?

I appreciate all your help

Thanks

John

 

[JamesW]

The device on the waste line is probably a vacuum breaker that is defective.

 

[Johnregal]

Thanks JamesW

Looks like I can just remove the vacuum breaker piece when i do the upgrade. I will plumb it straight to waste.

My real dilemma is how to remove my old pump and have enough pipe left to install the new Pentair. As you can see in the second picture above, the is very little pipe between the pump and my main pump suction section. And then that feeds into a 4 separate valve sections for my skimmers and drains. Am I going to have to cut all of this out and rebuild it because all the pipes are too short?

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[JamesW]

If you can saw off the front of the pump, you might be able to unscrew the black part.

You should use a vacuum breaker on the waste line.

 

[Johnregal]

James

Thank you for your advice.

I was able to

1) Disconnect the basket section from the pump
2) Cut the bottom 1/3 of the basket off
3) I was now able to turn the basket 360 degrees and was able to remove it from the pipe - it was attached with dope instead of cement

So bottom line is I now have 100% of the thread grey PVC pipe that I can use to attach to my new pump

 

[JamesW]

Cool. Good job.

I figured that it would be tricky but doable.

The main challenge would be to not over stress the plumbing.

Maybe use a female threaded adaptor then a union at the pump for the new installation.