Pentair CCP Filter - replace drain plug with valve

[proavia]

In reading this old thread -
Replacing Pentair CCP drain port with a valve and hose attachment
- I see that some have adapted the 1.5" drain plug to support a 3/4" pipe and valve to drain the filter housing. Is 3/4" pipe sufficient? Has anyone successfully plumbed it in 1" instead of 3/4"?

Anything special I need to consider? Any special fittings?

Planning ahead for install of CCP420. Easier to do this before I set the filter in place.

 

[wgipe]

I have a 420 and did a valve with 3/4 pex. Works like a champ.

 

[proavia]

Cool, thanks.
My only concern is if there is a lot of debris in the bottom of the filter when I need to drain it may block 3/4 inch. ButI guess it would justas easily block 1".

So you used a 1.5" to 3/4" threaded reducer, then a 3/4" street elbow, a valve and converted from there to pex?
Any chance of a pic?

 

[jmastron]

In reading this old thread -
Replacing Pentair CCP drain port with a valve and hose attachment
- I see that some have adapted the 1.5" drain plug to support a 3/4" pipe and valve to drain the filter housing. Is 3/4" pipe sufficient? Has anyone successfully plumbed it in 1" instead of 3/4"?

Anything special I need to consider? Any special fittings?

Planning ahead for install of CCP420. Easier to do this before I set the filter in place.

As the originator of that thread (which does have a list of parts and a couple pictures), I can't remember whether a bigger street elbow wouldn't turn in the space, if I couldn't find one at the hardware store I was at, or if I knew I wanted a 3/4" valve and hose connection anyway on the other side. The key considerations are that whatever combination of fittings (up to the elbow) needs to turn in the space and to fit vertically. You could always get a few different part combinations, see what fits and return the rest. And then report back in the thread!

I'll say 3/4" is perfectly fine for what I need it to do: Empty the filter when cleaning, and allow draining rain-increased levels from the pool. It's not necessary for it to match the pool pipe size; whatever volume isn't draining just recirculates through the filter/return. I didn't have to drain at all the last 2 years (darn drought) so I don't remember the rate. Most large debris is captured in the skimmer and the pump basket, so I haven't had issues with it getting blocked.

 

[proavia]

As the originator of that thread (which does have a list of parts and a couple pictures), I can't remember whether a bigger street elbow wouldn't turn in the space, if I couldn't find one at the hardware store I was at, or if I knew I wanted a 3/4" valve and hose connection anyway on the other side. The key considerations are that whatever combination of fittings (up to the elbow) needs to turn in the space and to fit vertically. You could always get a few different part combinations, see what fits and return the rest. And then report back in the thread!

I'll say 3/4" is perfectly fine for what I need it to do: Empty the filter when cleaning, and allow draining rain-increased levels from the pool. It's not necessary for it to match the pool pipe size; whatever volume isn't draining just recirculates through the filter/return. I didn't have to drain at all the last 2 years (darn drought) so I don't remember the rate. Most large debris is captured in the skimmer and the pump basket, so I haven't had issues with it getting blocked.

Thanks for confirming 3/4" will do the trick.
This will be my first cartridge filter and want to add the drain valve before installing on the pad.

 

[Newdude]

Following cuz this has been a want of mine for a while as a way to 'backwash' the cartridge filter. Opening that valve while running would woosh the incoming water past the cartridges, not through them and at the very least rinse off the big crud stuck to them. I imagine it would help put off the 'deep clean' just like the other 2 filters. I believe my filter is taller and will fit the full 1.5 inch elbow. Will add my doings once I attempt it.

Thanks all for your inputs!!

 

[proavia]

I don't think it will 'backwash' at all - as that would mean running the water the opposite direction thru the cartridges (which would compromise the cartridge integrity. It may also be doubtful that it will even rinse much off the outer surface of the cartridges - as there is much more water entering the filter than exiting thru the drain opening. It may however help rinse some of the sediment sitting at the bottom of the filter.

What exact filter do you have or plan to have?

 

[Newdude]

The S8M500. It has 2 big filters instead of 4. Me using the term 'backwash' was for similar purpose and not literal. More of a 'downwash' to flush the heavy crud off the cartridges, similar to a quick spray off with a hose. It won't be a TSP/MA bath level of clean, but still probably help just enough. If nothing else it would get the massive clump of sand and larger particles out of the bottom of the filter.

 

[Rich D]

The S8M500. It has 2 big filters instead of 4. Me using the term 'backwash' was for similar purpose and not literal. More of a 'downwash' to flush the heavy crud off the cartridges, similar to a quick spray off with a hose. It won't be a TSP/MA bath level of clean, but still probably help just enough. If nothing else it would get the massive clump of sand and larger particles out of the bottom of the filter.

My cv 340 filter has a 2.5" drain on the bottom. I just purchased a jandy 2" valve for the drain. My main reason for installing on my set up is I have no way of quickly pumping out extra water. To do it with the hose bib on the pump takes up to a hour for a good rain event. I also thought a "down wash" would help in prolonging filter cleaning. Not sure I will get it on this season but it will definitely be a priority for the spring... I am also considering adding a actuator to the valve so I do not need to go out in the monsoon and be playing with Valves... This is still under consideration because of the possibility of over draining or even emptying the pool if something goes wrong...

 

[wgipe]

I don't think it will 'backwash' at all - as that would mean running the water the opposite direction thru the cartridges (which would compromise the cartridge integrity. It may also be doubtful that it will even rinse much off the outer surface of the cartridges - as there is much more water entering the filter than exiting thru the drain opening. It may however help rinse some of the sediment sitting at the bottom of the filter.

What exact filter do you have or plan to have?

I don't see how the small amount of water that would be redirected through a 3/4 outlet would cause reverse flow - wouldn't the sheer volume of water going to proper direction overwhelm it?

I actually think it could help force the crud that settles at the bottom out. I'll give it a try and see what happens.

 

[Newdude]

actually think it could help force the crud that settles at the bottom out. I'll give it a try and see what happens

Yeah. Bare minimum it should flush that crud out, albeit slowly like a lotto ball machine. I believe my bottom plug is much bigger on mine and I can add a valve after the filter to send all flow out the bottom. If it works it will wash the water past the filters and not though them, hopefully taking the pollen and what not with it.

My plan is to open it up and see how bad they are when the time comes, use a net to trap any expelled crud and then open the filter back up to see how clean the pleats are. In theory they’d be discolored but no longer caked with crud, buying lots of time between deep cleans / acid baths. So basically a non literal ‘backwash’ function for small cleanings. Will post results when the time comes.