Pentair clean and clear cartridge filter

[kul]

My filter needs to have the o ring replaced because it has stretched out and I have a small drip. I’m considering doing it myself, but as usual am slightly nervous about this undertaking so I have some questions:
1. How do I know which o ring to buy? Is it based on size or are all the o rings for this filter the same size?
2. Is any silicone lubricant fine to use?
3. What size tools do I need to remove the two halves of the filter? I have this metal thingy that looks like it has a lot going on but there just seems to be one screw to undo
4. I just had the filter cleaned by my pool guy before stopping service, so do I even need to open the drain plug? Also what size tool do I use to open it if I need to?
5. What are the steps to turning the pump back on after I figure out how to put the filter back together?
6. Has some kind soul made a video demonstrating what I’m about to do? In a way that explains it to an anxious personality?

Thanks as always.

 

[Mdragger88]

Go here

Pentair Filter System Parts | Inyo Pools - INYOPools.com

Discover high-quality low cost replacement parts for your Pentair filter system at Inyo Pools. From filter cartridges and grids to tank o-rings and pressure gauges, ensure optimal filtration and longevity for your pool system with our quality replacement parts. Models: FNS Plus, Clean & Clear...

www.inyopools.com

Select your model, then select your part # based on the diagram.
Note any asterisks ** or *** as they may reference different year models.
Click on the part -
On the part product page there’s a diy tab with helpful info- sometimes videos.
You may also want to look on YouTube as inyopools has many instructional videos for common equipment there.

 

[mknauss]

Is any silicone lubricant fine to use?

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

So after turning everything off, you loosen the nut on your belt and the belt will probably need some love taps with a rubber mallet to break free. The guts are kinda like a sandwhich. 2 plates are the bread and the filters/gaskets are the meat. They were recently cleaned but it wouldn’t hurt to spray them again if you’re in there. Lube up the new O-ring and make sure both sides of the channel are clean, cuz you’ll set the top down upon opening and the old lube will pick up any debris in that spot.

Reassemble it all and the belt will need some love taps with the mallet to seat just like it needed them to come apart. Once it’s kinda firm, gentle taps all around as you finish tightening.

Being your first time, take pics at every step to remember the order and exactly which piece goes where. A PERFECT job for the non-scientist Hubs. Make him be useful.

My PB left me with a tube of Hayward Jack’s Magic Lube. It worked so well I never even considered another kind because it goes a long way and lasts for several seasons. No need to save a couple bucks when the name brand one is $14 (?). Plus, every pool store in the land has it on the shelf when you unexpectedly run out. A small pea sized splotch will more than handle the pump sized O-rings and a toothpaste/toothbrush like splotch will probably be enough for the filter O-ring. Wear the leftover Covid gloves that we all have laying around. Doing so well at repelling water, it’s miserable trying to wash it off.

 

[kul]

Thanks for the info regarding finding which o-ring I needed and the lube!
I did it! It did take on a three stooges quality when I asked husband to squeeze lube onto my gloved finger and the bottom of the tube seam exploded!

It looks like I did another hard core pool thing and didn’t destroy something!

One strange thing at pool store was when I asked for the magic lube in the red tube - the pool store guy said that there are different silicone lubes for different parts of the filter and pump. He mentioned that I needed the blue one with teflon for the o-ring between the top and bottom cover, but needed the red one with just silicone for the other o rings. I went ahead and got the red that is recommended here and it seems to have done what was needed.

 

[mknauss]

The lube with Teflon should not be used. It will get very sticky and eventually the gasket is not able to seal properly.

 

[Newdude]

did it! It did take on a three stooges quality when I asked husband to squeeze lube onto my gloved finger and the bottom of the tube seam exploded

Better than the classic ‘When I nod my head, you hit it’ bit. You got off easy.