Deep Cleaning Sand Filter - Can't separate the intake pipe.

[bjbarlowe]

EDIT: I'm sorry, but this post is no longer relevant, and I can't seem to delete it myself. I used some WD-40 (duh!) to get that stubborn coupling to turn. We're all set now.

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Before I open my pool this spring, I'd like to do a deep clean. I moved into this house 1.5 years ago and I don't think the previous owner deep-cleaned it with any regularity. This will be my first time doing it, and I'll of course be using this great guide.

The first hurdle is that I can't seem to completely isolate the filter from the pool's plumbing. I was able to separate the return line, but I'm having trouble with the intake line. There is a screw coupling just before the pump (see picture attached), but for the life of me, it will not budge. However, there is a valve next to it (see picture attached).

So here's my question: Will closing that valve be sufficient to separate the filter from the intake line? I suppose some dirty water will go into the pump, but I figured if the valve is closed it shouldn't back up into the pool itself.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[domct203]

EDIT: I'm sorry, but this post is no longer relevant, and I can't seem to delete it myself. I used some WD-40 (duh!) to get that stubborn coupling to turn. We're all set now.

---------------------------------

Before I open my pool this spring, I'd like to do a deep clean. I moved into this house 1.5 years ago and I don't think the previous owner deep-cleaned it with any regularity. This will be my first time doing it, and I'll of course be using this great guide.

The first hurdle is that I can't seem to completely isolate the filter from the pool's plumbing. I was able to separate the return line, but I'm having trouble with the intake line. There is a screw coupling just before the pump (see picture attached), but for the life of me, it will not budge. However, there is a valve next to it (see picture attached).

So here's my question: Will closing that valve be sufficient to separate the filter from the intake line? I suppose some dirty water will go into the pump, but I figured if the valve is closed it shouldn't back up into the pool itself.

View attachment 57228

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ben

When you remove the multiport valve from the top of the filter housing you will have isolated the filter from the pool.

Why are you trying to open the union at the pump? Is this the only union on the intake side of the filter? Did you plan to remove the pump with the multiport valve? If there is room (hard to tell from the pic) now is the time to install a union at the filter intake, if there is not one already.

 

[duraleigh]

I would like to leave your post up. It could often help others who get stuck with the same or a similar problem. I am gonna' lock it and will delete it if you want me to. PM me back if you decide to get rid of it.

 

[bjbarlowe]

That's the only union on the intake side, yes. It's not ideal, because I'd rather have something between the pump and the filter. However, I didn't think it'd be a big deal, because if any dirty water gets into the pump, it will drain out, because I've not yet opened it for the spring. But maybe I'll take this opportunity to cut the line and install a removable coupling just before the filter itself.

Can you clarify a bit more what you mean by your first sentence? My impression was in order to do a deep clean, I needed to completely separate the filter from the plumbing or dirty water would end up getting into the pool.

 

[domct203]

That's the only union on the intake side, yes. It's not ideal, because I'd rather have something between the pump and the filter. However, I didn't think it'd be a big deal, because if any dirty water gets into the pump, it will drain out, because I've not yet opened it for the spring. But maybe I'll take this opportunity to cut the line and install a removable coupling just before the filter itself.

Can you clarify a bit more what you mean by your first sentence? My impression was in order to do a deep clean, I needed to completely separate the filter from the plumbing or dirty water would end up getting into the pool.

You need to remove the multi port valve from the top of the filter housing to properly deep clean the filter. When you do that, the filter housing will no longer be attached to the plumbing, and all the dirty water from the deep clean will simply overflow the housing and go on the pad/ground.

When you reassemble everything, be sure to backwash & rinse to not only get a bit more dirt out, but to resettle the sand as well.

 

[bjbarlowe]

Gotcha. I guess I made it a little more complicated than it really was. I had based my thinking on this bit from the Deep Cleaning guide, but I must have misunderstood -

**WARNING -- Before starting this process, be sure that the filter is isolated from the pool plumbing. I filmed this video at the very beginning of the swim season, and my plumbing was not hooked up yet. If the filter is still connected, turn off valves, disconnect plumbing, or do whatever you need to do to isolate your filter from the system. If you don't do this step, as you fill the filter with water, the junk and crud will fall into the standpipe and go right back into your pool.**