ABSOLUTE BEGINNER

[PoolStored]

Almost positive it is a sand filter now. Attached some pics for you to check out. Searched model number and pulled up valve for sand filter.

While I was trying to find the model number, I realized I did have a window to watch the water while backwashing. Should it be full of water? Got a pic of it for you to check out too!

Yes, that is a sand filter. No, you will only see what in sight glass when backwashing or rinsing.

I would hold off on the clarifier for now. If you end up going the clarifier route, do not use a polymeric clarifier...it will gum up your filter. Clarifiers have some use in pools, but they are no better than adding DE to a sand filter and should never be used with cartridge or DE filters. I would follow these instructions and use DE in your filter to aid filtering. Follow the instructions. DO NOT use Garden DE. Use POOL DE.

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[sande005]

Actually, I'd even wait on the DE. A bag of it will last a life time for a sand filter. You can try it anytime later, if needed. At this point, first would be to get a proper discharge set up so you can manually vac to waste, and learn how to use the pump controls to turn it on and off. Even if it takes a few days to get the plumbing done, no harm - and a lot may settle out additionally, that you can then get out on the first pass, rather than have to repeat a bit later. Then you don't have to deal with cleaning the Dolphin or the filter.

Vacuuming to waste WILL use a lot of water. On mine, when super dirty, it was common to only get 1/2 done, and then have to wait for the hose to refill to be able to get the rest done. It can help to fill to well above the skimmers just before starting the vacuuming.....and won't hurt anything to do so. They just won't "skim" until the water level drops to the level of the opening. Stop vacuuming when the water level gets close to the bottom of the opening, and wait for the hose to refill before continuing on.

Clarifiers and Floc also entail lots of vacuuming to waste. Avoid, at least until you see how cleaning without works.