Questions on o-ring quality & lubricating o-ring

[newowner77077]

Hello everybody,

I inherited a Pentair Clean & Clear Plus cartridge filter from the previous owners along with the pool. Recently, when I opened the filter to clean it, I noticed that the o-ring between the top and bottom shell was a bit streched out. Is that how it is supposed to be or should it have a snug fit around the filter (where it sits)?

While looking around on the web, I vaguely remember reading somewhere that I should not lubricate that particular o-ring. I am not certain but I think the website was talking about the same o-ring. Am I not supposed to lubricate the o-ring before assembling the filter back? If not, why?

Lastly, I am noticing that the filter is catching things much bigger than what it is supposed to (leaves, small branches, etc.) My guess is that those things get by when I am removing the strainer basket to clean it. Is there anything I can/should to prevent these things (things that are supposed to be caught by the pool strainer basket) from showing up in my cartridge filters?

Thanks in advance.

 

[duraleigh]

Welcome to the forum. :lol:

My guess is that those things get by when I am removing the strainer basket to clean it.

Don't the skimmer baskets catch the twigs? They should never reach your pump strainer basket and, if they do, I don't see how it is possible for them to get by the pump strainer basket.

 

[Richard320]

As far as I know, O-rings always get lubricated, on anything. The way they seal is by getting smashed and deformed. If they aren't able to slide around a little as they deform, they may not deform evenly.

You probably read not to lubricate them with petroleum based lubricants - that would be WD40, Vaseline, 3-in-1 oil, common stuff you already have. You want silicone based lubricant.

 

[Qwaxalot]

Hello everybody,

I inherited a Pentair Clean & Clear Plus cartridge filter from the previous owners along with the pool. Recently, when I opened the filter to clean it, I noticed that the o-ring between the top and bottom shell was a bit streched out. Is that how it is supposed to be or should it have a snug fit around the filter (where it sits)?

While looking around on the web, I vaguely remember reading somewhere that I should not lubricate that particular o-ring. I am not certain but I think the website was talking about the same o-ring. Am I not supposed to lubricate the o-ring before assembling the filter back? If not, why?

Lastly, I am noticing that the filter is catching things much bigger than what it is supposed to (leaves, small branches, etc.) My guess is that those things get by when I am removing the strainer basket to clean it. Is there anything I can/should to prevent these things (things that are supposed to be caught by the pool strainer basket) from showing up in my cartridge filters?

Thanks in advance.

If the O-ring is a little loose you can shrink it by putting it in a bucket of ice water before reinstalling it. You can also cut a little piece out of the o-ring and super glue the ends together. You can also buy a new o-ring.

Yes, you should lubricate the o-ring lightly (with silicone lube, as has been said) before reinstalling it.

And, lastly, if you're getting large debris in the filter, check the pump basket, it's likely split.

 

[newowner77077]

Thank you all.

Qwaxalot,

I like the idea of putting the o-ring in a bucket of ice water before reinstalling the filter. If that doesn't work, I will proabably get a new o-ring. I am not very comfortable with the idea of putting it together with super glue. I am afraid it might come apart while tighting the filter clamp. I just checked the pump basket and its seems to be in good shape. Thanks for the good tips.