Installation: Pentair Pool Quad D.E. Cartridge Style D.E. Filter User Manual

Content

Overview

The Quad D.E. Cartridge Style D.E. Filter is a high-pressure swimming pool filtration system designed for residential and commercial pool installations. It uses four removable cartridges coated with diatomaceous earth (D.E.) to capture fine dirt, algae, and other microscopic contaminants from circulating pool water.

The four-cartridge design provides a large filtration surface in a compact tank and supports longer operating periods between cleaning cycles. A chemical-resistant, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank, integrated pressure gauge, manual air relief valve, and accessible drain support routine operation and maintenance.

Specifications

Available models: Quad 60, Quad 80, and Quad 100
Filter area: 60, 80, or 100 square feet, depending on model
Maximum working pressure: 50 psi
Maximum flow rate: Quad 60: 120 GPM; Quad 80: 150 GPM; Quad 100: 160 GPM
Plumbing connections: 2-inch connections
Required vertical clearance: Quad 60: 62 inches; Quad 80: 68 inches; Quad 100: 74 inches
D.E. charge: Quad 60: 6 lb; Quad 80: 8 lb; Quad 100: 10 lb
Approximate level coffee-can measure: Quad 60: 12 cans; Quad 80: 16 cans; Quad 100: 20 cans
Tank material: Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene
Cartridge count: Four removable filter cartridges

Detailed Description

During normal filtration, water enters the tank and passes through a layer of swimming-pool-grade diatomaceous earth held on the cartridge surfaces. The D.E. coating traps very small particles while the cartridge structure supports the coating and maintains water flow.

The main components include the filter tank, tank lid, clamp ring, tank O-ring, top manifold, bottom manifold, four cartridges, compression spring and adapter, internal air-bleed assembly, outlet pipe, drain plug, pressure gauge, and manual air relief valve. The pressure gauge indicates the resistance created by accumulated debris and is the primary operating indicator.

Use the pressure reading recorded after a clean startup as the baseline. Service is generally required when the gauge rises about 10 psi above that original starting pressure or when pool circulation noticeably decreases. With a variable-speed pump, record the pump RPM along with the starting pressure because the baseline changes with pump speed.

Safety

The Quad D.E. Cartridge Style D.E. Filter operates under pressure. Trapped air can cause the lid to separate violently if the system is opened or serviced while pressurized. Before opening the tank, cleaning components, adjusting plumbing, or servicing the pump, switch off the pump and automatic controls at the circuit breaker, open the air relief valve, stand clear, and wait until the pressure gauge reads zero.

Have a qualified pool professional install the filter and perform pressure testing.
Never pressure-test the system with compressed air.
Never exceed the 50 psi maximum working pressure or the lower pressure rating of another system component.
Do not connect the filter to a high-pressure or municipal water supply.
Keep electrical power disconnected and locked out or clearly tagged during service.
Keep electrical controls at least 5 feet from the filter and position them so the operator can stand clear during startup and shutdown.
Direct discharged air and water away from electrical equipment and areas where they could create a hazard.
Support connected plumbing independently so pipe weight does not strain the tank or valve.
Do not operate the filter for more than 3 minutes without D.E. on the cartridges.
Use only PTFE- or silicone-based lubricant on O-rings and seals. Petroleum-based products can damage the equipment.
Keep children away from the filter and associated pool equipment.

Setup and Installation

Choose the Installation Location

Mount the tank on a level concrete slab.
Keep the pressure gauge and safety labels visible.
Provide access to the plumbing connections, control valve, drain, and clamp ring.
Allow enough overhead clearance to remove the lid and enough surrounding space to inspect the clamp.
Position the air relief valve so expelled water cannot reach electrical equipment.

Connect the Plumbing

Follow applicable plumbing, sanitary, electrical, grounding, and bonding codes. The filter requires a compatible backwash valve kit. Approved valve options in the supplied guide include 2-inch and 1-1/2-inch multiport valves, a 2-inch high-flow valve, and a 2-inch PVC slide valve. Use the correct valve for this filter's internal flow pattern; an unsuitable backwash valve can damage the cartridges.

Use silicone-based lubricant on seals. Do not use pipe-joint compound, glue, or solvent on the filter's sealing surfaces. A check valve before the filter inlet can help prevent contaminants from draining back into the pool, while a check valve between the filter and heater can help prevent hot water from flowing backward into the filter.

Install the Air Relief Valve and Gauge

Confirm that the air relief valve O-ring is fitted to the bottom of the valve.
Thread the valve into the tank by hand and orient it so discharged water is directed safely.
Remove the plug from the top of the air relief valve with a 9/16-inch wrench.
Apply two full wraps of thread-seal tape to the pressure-gauge threads.
Thread the gauge into the valve by hand.

Opening and Closing the Filter

Open the Tank

Turn off the pump and automatic controls at the circuit breaker.
Open the air relief valve by turning its top one-quarter turn counterclockwise until it locks in the open position.
Stand clear until the pressure gauge reads zero.
Open the bottom drain plug and allow the tank to empty.
Use a 7/8-inch wrench to loosen the clamp barrel nut until the spring decompresses.
Remove the barrel nut, spring, washers, and clamp ring.
Lift the lid carefully from the tank. Do not lift it by the air relief valve.
If the lid is stuck, gently move it from side to side. Do not pry it with a screwdriver or pry bar.

Install the Lid and Clamp

Clean the tank O-ring and seat it evenly on the lower tank half.
Place the lid on the tank and confirm that the O-ring remains between the two tank halves.
Position the clamp ring over both tank flanges.
Insert the T-bolt and install the hardware in this order: small washer, spring, large washer, and barrel nut.
Tighten the barrel nut by hand, then use a 7/8-inch socket wrench.
Tap around the entire clamp ring with a rubber mallet or similar tool.
Continue tightening and tapping until the spring coils touch and remain touching after tapping.
Close the drain plug.
Inspect the spring coils at least monthly. If they are no longer touching, shut down the system, release all pressure, and retighten the clamp.

Startup and D.E. Charging

Confirm that the clamp spring coils are fully compressed and touching.
Open the air relief valve.
Stand clear of the tank and start the pump.
Watch the pressure gauge and air relief valve. Stop the pump immediately if the gauge shows pressure before water flows, if a steady stream of water does not appear within 30 seconds after the pump strainer fills, or if water leaks beneath the clamp.
When a steady stream of water exits the air relief valve, close the valve by turning the cover one-quarter turn clockwise.
Record the initial pressure and the pressure approximately 10 psi higher, which is the usual service point. Record the pump RPM as well when using a variable-speed pump.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Always coat the cartridges with D.E. before normal filtration. Use only D.E. labeled for swimming pools and spas. Measure the required quantity without packing it into the measuring container, then mix it with enough water to create a thin, milky slurry.

Set a slide valve to the filter position, or set a multiport valve to FILTER or VACUUM TO POOL.
Open the filter air relief valve and start the pump using the startup procedure.
With the pump running and the skimmer open, pour the D.E. slurry directly into the skimmer.
Allow the mixture to distribute across the cartridges before relying on the filter for normal operation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Monitor the Pressure Gauge

Replace the gauge if it does not return to zero when pressure is released, does not appear accurate during operation, or is damaged or difficult to read. A rising pressure reading normally indicates that the cartridges are loading with debris.

Clean the Air Relief Valve

Switch off the pump and controls, open the air relief valve, and wait until the gauge reads zero.
Pull out the locking tabs and rotate the valve stem and cover assembly counterclockwise to unlock it.
Pull the stem and cover assembly from the valve body.
Remove debris and check that the air passage is open by carefully inserting a 5/16-inch drill bit through the valve body.
Inspect the stem O-rings, confirm that they are correctly positioned, and lubricate them only with silicone-based or PTFE lubricant.
Press the assembly back into the body and turn it clockwise until it snaps into place.

Backwash Without a Separation Tank

Backwash when pressure is about 10 psi above the original starting pressure or when flow is significantly reduced. Always shut off the pump, open the air relief valve, stand clear, and confirm zero pressure before changing valve positions.

Move the skimmer to full skim and close the main drain.
Clean the pump strainer basket and reinstall the pump lid.
For a slide valve, push the handle down and lock it. For a multiport valve, select BACKWASH.
Open the filter air relief valve, stand clear, and start the pump.
Close the air relief valve after a steady water stream appears.
When the waste discharge runs clear, shut off the pump.
Return the slide valve to FILTER, or place the multiport valve in CLOSED as applicable.
Restart the system using the complete startup procedure and add the model-specific D.E. charge.

Backwash With a Separation Tank

Shut down the pump, release pressure, and clean the pump strainer basket.
Set the valve for backwashing and open the filter and separation-tank air relief valves as applicable to the valve type.
Stand clear, start the pump, and close the air relief valves after steady water flow appears.
When the waste line runs clear, shut off the pump.
Open the separation-tank air relief valve and wait for draining to stop.
Open the separation tank according to its own instructions.
Empty the separation bag and dispose of used D.E. in accordance with local requirements.
Do not leave the separation bag exposed to sunlight.
Reinstall the separation bag, lid, and clamp, then return the valve to FILTER or CLOSED as applicable.
Restart the system and add the correct amount of fresh D.E.

Manually Clean the Cartridges

Manual cleaning may be needed if pressure remains high after backwashing or when preparing the filter for winter storage.

Open the filter using the pressure-release procedure.
Clean the pump strainer basket and reinstall its lid.
Remove the compression spring and adapter from the top manifold.
Lift the top manifold away from the cartridges.
Remove each cartridge separately.
Using a garden hose with a straight-flow nozzle, wash each cartridge from top to bottom while holding the nozzle at approximately a 45-degree angle.
Concentrate on the spaces between the pleats.
Rinse the inside of the tank and the bottom manifold with the drain plug open.
Inspect the gasket around the lower plate and ensure it sits evenly around the complete outer lip.
Reinstall the bottom manifold, cartridges, top manifold, spring, and standpipe assembly.
Clean and reseat the tank O-ring, close the tank, and install the clamp exactly as specified.

Troubleshooting

Air Enters the Filter

Clean the pool skimmer baskets, confirm that the water level is high enough, and check that the suction system is not drawing air. Inspect suction lines and equipment for leaks or damage.

Filter Cycles Are Too Short

Confirm that the cartridges received the correct amount of D.E. An insufficient coating can reduce filtration performance and shorten the interval between cleanings.

Pressure Drops at the Gauge

Switch off power before checking the pump. If the motor shaft turns freely, inspect the impeller according to the pump instructions. If it does not turn freely, inspect the suction line for an obstruction.

Pressure Remains High After Backwashing

Backwash again and recheck the gauge. If the pressure remains elevated, manually remove and hose-clean the cartridges.

D.E. Enters the Pool

Inspect the cartridges for tears or holes. Check the internal air-bleed screen cap for damage and correct installation. Confirm that every cartridge is vertical and properly seated between the upper and lower manifolds.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Four removable cartridges provide substantial filtration surface and simplify access for cleaning.
Pros: The D.E. coating supports fine-particle filtration and can extend operating intervals between cleanings.
Pros: The reinforced polypropylene tank resists chemical exposure and corrosion.
Pros: The pressure gauge, air relief valve, drain, and accessible internal components support routine service.
Cons: Safe operation requires careful pressure-release procedures before every service task.
Cons: The cartridges must be charged with the correct amount of D.E. after startup and backwashing.
Cons: Installation requires adequate overhead clearance and a compatible valve arrangement.

PDF

Faqs

How do I safely open the Quad D.E. Cartridge Style D.E. Filter for maintenance?

Turn off power to the pump and automatic controls at the circuit breaker, then open the manual air relief valve on top of the filter. Stand clear and wait until the pressure gauge reads zero. Drain the filter, loosen the clamp hardware, and remove the clamp ring. Lift the lid carefully without using the air relief valve as a handle. Never loosen the clamp, lid, or other components while the system is pressurized.

How should the Quad D.E. filter lid and clamp ring be reinstalled?

Clean the tank O-ring and seat it evenly on the lower tank half. Position the lid so the O-ring remains between the tank halves, then place the clamp ring over both flanges. Install the T-bolt, washers, spring, and barrel nut in the specified order. Tighten the barrel nut with the correct wrench while tapping around the clamp ring. Continue until the spring coils touch and remain touching after tapping.

What is the correct startup procedure for a Quad D.E. Cartridge Style Filter?

Confirm that the clamp spring is fully compressed and its coils touch. Open the air relief valve, stand clear of the filter, and start the pump. A steady stream of water should appear from the valve within about 30 seconds after the pump strainer fills. Shut the pump off immediately if pressure appears before water flow, the stream does not form, or water leaks beneath the clamp. Close the air relief valve only after steady water flow is established.

How much diatomaceous earth should be added to a Quad D.E. filter?

The required D.E. amount depends on the filter model: Quad 60 uses 6 pounds, Quad 80 uses 8 pounds, and Quad 100 uses 10 pounds. Mix pool-grade diatomaceous earth with enough water to create a thin, milky slurry. With the pump operating in the normal filtration position, pour the mixture into the skimmer. Do not pack D.E. into the measuring container, and never operate the filter without D.E. for more than three minutes.

When should the Quad D.E. filter be backwashed or cleaned?

Record the clean starting pressure after the filter is properly charged with D.E. Backwash or service the filter when the gauge rises approximately 10 psi above that starting pressure, or sooner if water flow drops noticeably. After backwashing, return the valve to its normal filter position and recharge the system with the model-specific amount of D.E. If pressure remains high after repeated backwashing, manually remove and rinse the cartridges.

How do I manually clean the Quad D.E. filter cartridges?

First relieve all pressure, drain the tank, and open the filter according to the safety procedure. Remove the compression spring and top manifold, then lift out each cartridge separately. Rinse every cartridge with a garden hose using a straight nozzle held at approximately a 45-degree angle, working from top to bottom and concentrating on the pleat areas. Rinse the tank and manifolds, check the bottom gasket, reinstall the cartridges and manifolds, then close and restart the filter correctly.

What should I check if the Quad D.E. filter pressure stays high after backwashing?

Repeat the backwash procedure and verify that the waste water becomes clear before returning the valve to filtration. If the pressure remains elevated, shut down the pump, relieve all pressure, and manually clean the cartridges. Inspect the cartridges, manifolds, and internal passages for accumulated D.E. or debris. Also confirm that the pressure gauge returns to zero with the pump off; a damaged or inaccurate gauge can make normal pressure appear excessive.

Why is D.E. entering the pool from my Quad D.E. filter?

Shut off the pump and relieve all filter pressure before inspecting the internal parts. Check the cartridges for tears, holes, or damaged fabric, and verify that each cartridge is vertical and properly seated between the upper and lower manifolds. Inspect the internal air-bleed screen for damage or incorrect installation. Reassemble the tank carefully, ensure the O-ring and clamp are correctly fitted, and recharge the filter with the proper amount of pool-grade D.E.