hayward pro grid de filter manual
Hayward Pro Grid DE Filter Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Hayward’s Pro-Grid vertical grid D․E․ filter offers superior water filtration alongside ease of use, requiring adherence to instructions within this manual․
Hayward’s Pro-Grid Vertical Grid D․E․ filter represents a significant advancement in pool and spa filtration technology, combining high-capacity filtration with user-friendly operation․ This manual provides comprehensive instructions for installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your filtration system;
Designed for efficient removal of fine debris, the Pro-Grid utilizes diatomaceous earth (D․E․) to achieve exceptional water clarity․ Understanding the principles of D․E․ filtration and following the guidelines outlined in this manual are crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy swimming environment․ Always use Hayward genuine replacement parts to guarantee compatibility and uphold the filter’s performance standards․ Refer to hayward․com or call 1-888-HAYWARD for assistance․
Understanding DE Filtration
Diatomaceous Earth (D․E․) filtration is a highly effective method for removing microscopic particles from pool water, achieving superior clarity compared to sand or cartridge filters․ D․E․ powder, composed of fossilized algae skeletons, coats the internal grids of the Hayward Pro-Grid filter, creating a microscopic filtering layer․
This layer traps particles as small as 3-5 microns, resulting in exceptionally clean water․ Proper D․E․ addition, as detailed in this manual, is vital for optimal performance․ Regular backwashing removes accumulated debris from the grids, restoring filtration efficiency; It’s important to note that D․E․ is a fine powder and requires careful handling; always follow safety precautions․ Using only Hayward genuine D․E․ ensures compatibility and prevents damage to the filter system․

Filter Components and Their Functions
The Hayward Pro-Grid filter utilizes a multi-part system, including the filter tank, internal grids, and a multiport valve, working together for efficient filtration․
The Pro Grid Structure Explained
Hayward’s Pro-Grid filter employs a unique vertical grid design, maximizing the filtration area within the tank and enhancing performance․ This innovative structure consists of individual grid elements, precisely engineered to capture microscopic particles and deliver exceptionally clear water․
The vertical grid assembly allows for more efficient backwashing, ensuring thorough cleaning and prolonged filter life․ Unlike traditional horizontal grid designs, the Pro-Grid minimizes channeling and promotes even distribution of water flow․ This results in consistent filtration and reduced pressure drop․
The grid elements are constructed from durable materials, designed to withstand the rigors of continuous operation and chemical exposure․ Proper maintenance, including regular inspection and cleaning, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance․ Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on grid disassembly and inspection procedures․ Utilizing Hayward genuine replacement parts is also recommended․
Multiport Valve Operation
The Hayward Pro-Grid filter utilizes a 4- or 6-position multiport valve, controlling water flow for various functions․ These include filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, and closed positions․ Understanding each setting is vital for efficient operation and maintenance․
The valve allows you to redirect water flow for cleaning, rinsing, and bypassing the filter media․ Always turn off the pump before changing valve positions․ Proper valve operation ensures optimal filtration and extends the lifespan of your D․E․ powder․
Refer to the valve’s label and this manual for specific instructions on each setting․ A 2-position slide valve is also an option․ Remember to close the manual air relief valve after completing backwash or rinse cycles, only when a steady stream of water appears․
Backwash Cycle Instructions
To initiate the backwash cycle on your Hayward Pro-Grid D․E․ filter, first turn off the pump․ Rotate the multiport valve handle to the “Backwash” position․ Ensure the manual air relief valve is open․ Restart the pump and allow it to run for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the water in the sight glass clears․
Backwashing reverses the water flow, flushing out accumulated dirt and debris from the filter grid․ Monitor the pressure gauge; a significant pressure drop indicates the need for backwashing․ After the water clears, turn off the pump again․
Rotate the valve to the “Rinse” position and restart the pump for 30-60 seconds to resettle the D․E․ powder․ Finally, return the valve to the “Filter” position and close the manual air relief valve when a steady stream of water is observed․
Rinse Cycle Instructions
Following the backwash cycle on your Hayward Pro-Grid D․E․ filter, the rinse cycle is crucial for proper operation․ With the pump off, rotate the multiport valve handle to the “Rinse” position․ Restart the pump and allow it to run for approximately 30 to 60 seconds․
This process resettles the D․E․ powder within the filter grid, ensuring optimal filtration performance․ Observe the sight glass; the water should gradually clear as the D․E․ redistributes․ The rinse cycle compacts the D․E․ layer, improving its ability to trap fine particles․
Once the water appears clear, turn off the pump․ Return the valve handle to the “Filter” position․ Finally, close the manual air relief valve only when a steady stream of water is present, completing the cleaning process․

Filter Assembly and Installation
Proper assembly and installation of your Hayward Pro-Grid D․E․ filter are vital for efficient operation and longevity․ Begin by ensuring the filter tank is placed on a stable, level surface, close to the pump and plumbing connections․ Carefully inspect all components for any shipping damage before proceeding․
Assemble the clamp system according to the detailed instructions in the owner’s manual, ensuring a watertight seal․ Connect the piping, utilizing appropriate fittings and thread sealant․ Before starting the pump, open the manual air relief valve to purge any trapped air from the system․
Once the system is primed and the air is released, gradually close the air relief valve․ Verify all connections are secure and leak-free․ Always refer to the manual for specific torque specifications and safety guidelines during installation․

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance, including D․E․ powder addition and grid cleaning, ensures optimal performance of your Hayward D․E․ filter; consult the manual․
DE Powder Addition Guidelines
Adding Diatomaceous Earth (D․E․) powder is crucial for effective filtration with your Hayward Pro-Grid filter․ Always refer to the specifications detailed within this manual for the correct amount of D․E․ required for your specific filter model․ Typically, this involves adding D․E․ through the skimmer after a backwash cycle․
Ensure the filter system is operating on the ‘Filter’ setting․ Slowly pour the pre-mixed D․E․ and water slurry into the skimmer while the pump is running․ This slurry coats the internal grid elements, trapping fine particles․ Avoid adding too much D․E․, as it can cause excessive pressure buildup․ Regularly inspect the D․E․ level and replenish as needed to maintain optimal filtration performance․ Hayward recommends using only genuine Hayward D․E․ for best results and to prevent damage to the filter system․
Always follow safety precautions when handling D․E․ powder, as it can be an irritant․
Cleaning the Filter Grid
Regularly cleaning the filter grid is essential for maintaining optimal performance of your Hayward Pro-Grid D․E․ filter․ After backwashing, a thorough cleaning removes residual D․E․ and debris․ Begin by shutting off the pump and relieving the system pressure․ Carefully disassemble the filter according to the manual’s instructions, accessing the grid assembly․
Inspect each grid for tears, cracks, or excessive wear․ Use a garden hose with a nozzle to spray each grid individually, removing all traces of D․E․ and accumulated dirt․ Avoid using high-pressure washers, as they can damage the delicate grid material․ Reassemble the grids carefully, ensuring proper alignment and sealing․ A clean grid ensures efficient filtration and extends the lifespan of your Hayward filter․

Remember to always consult the manual for specific disassembly and reassembly steps․
Grid Disassembly and Inspection
Prior to cleaning, carefully disassemble the Hayward Pro-Grid filter’s grid assembly, following the detailed instructions in your owner’s manual․ Begin by relieving system pressure and shutting off the pump․ Remove the filter dome, then carefully lift out the grid manifold and individual grids․ Inspect each grid meticulously for any signs of damage․
Look for tears, cracks, holes, or excessive wear and tear on the grid fabric․ Pay close attention to the seams and corners, as these are common areas for failure․ If any grids are damaged, they must be replaced with Hayward genuine replacement parts to maintain filtration efficiency․ A thorough inspection ensures optimal performance and prevents debris from re-entering the pool․
Document any damage found before reassembly or ordering replacements․
Replacing the Backwash Valve
Replacing the backwash valve on your Hayward Pro-Grid D․E․ filter requires careful attention to detail․ First, ensure the system is completely shut down and all pressure is relieved․ Disconnect the plumbing connections to the existing valve, noting their positions for correct reassembly․ Remove the old valve, carefully inspecting the manifold for any cracks or damage․
Install the new Hayward genuine replacement valve, ensuring a proper seal with the manifold․ Reconnect the plumbing, tightening connections securely but avoiding over-tightening․ Before restoring power, double-check all connections for leaks․ Proper installation is crucial for maintaining efficient backwashing and preventing system malfunctions․

Consult the owner’s manual for specific valve model instructions․

Safety Precautions
Always adhere to basic safety guidelines when operating your Hayward D․E․ Filter; the NOTICE label indicates important, non-hazard instructions for operation․
Important Notices and Warnings
Hayward Pool Products emphasizes the critical importance of utilizing only Hayward genuine replacement parts to maintain the integrity and performance of your Pro-Grid D․E․ filter system․ Failure to do so may compromise filtration efficiency and potentially void warranty coverage․
The NOTICE label affixed to your filter highlights special instructions that, while not directly related to personal hazards, are crucial for optimal operation and longevity․ Pay close attention to these notices, as they provide valuable guidance for proper maintenance and troubleshooting․
Remember to always verify that water discharge from the filter’s manual air relief valve is directed away from all electrical devices to prevent potential electrical hazards․ Regularly inspect the clamp system and reassemble per the owner’s manual to prevent leaks․ Prioritize safety and follow all guidelines․
Genuine Hayward Replacement Parts
Hayward strongly recommends utilizing exclusively genuine Hayward replacement parts when servicing your Pro-Grid D․E․ filter․ These parts are engineered to precise specifications, ensuring optimal compatibility, performance, and reliability․ Employing non-genuine components can lead to reduced filtration effectiveness, system malfunctions, and potential damage․
Using authentic Hayward parts safeguards your investment and maintains the integrity of the filter’s design․ They are rigorously tested to meet Hayward’s stringent quality standards, guaranteeing a perfect fit and seamless operation․
For a comprehensive catalog of available replacement parts, including grids, valves, and seals, please visit hayward․com or contact Hayward customer support at 1-888-HAYWARD․ Protect your pool and ensure lasting performance with genuine Hayward components․

Air Relief Valve Operation
The manual air relief valve purges air from the filter, and should be closed only when a steady stream of water is observed․
Manual Air Relief Procedure
Hayward D․E․ filters are equipped with a manual air relief valve designed to release trapped air within the filter tank, ensuring optimal performance and efficient filtration․ Following initial start-up, or after any filter maintenance, air can accumulate, hindering water flow and reducing filtration effectiveness․
To operate the manual air relief valve, locate it on top of the filter tank․ Slowly open the valve by turning it counterclockwise․ You will observe air escaping, followed by a steady stream of water․ Continue to hold the valve open until only water is discharged, indicating all trapped air has been purged․
Immediately close the valve by turning it clockwise to prevent water loss and maintain system pressure․ Reassemble the clamp system per the instructions in the owner’s manual to stop any potential leaks․ Remember to return to the filter to close the manual air relief valve only when a steady stream of water is present․

Water Discharge Considerations
Hayward recommends verifying that water discharge from the filter’s manual air relief valve is directed away from all nearby electrical devices․
Directing Water Away from Electrical Devices
Hayward strongly emphasizes the critical importance of safely managing water discharged during filter operation, particularly concerning proximity to electrical components․ During backwashing, rinsing, or manual air relief valve operation, a significant volume of water is expelled from the filter system․
This discharged water must be directed away from any electrical outlets, circuit breakers, pumps, or other electrical devices․ Failure to do so creates a serious risk of electrical shock, short circuits, and potential damage to your pool equipment․ Ensure the discharge hose is properly positioned and secured to prevent accidental contact with electrical sources․
Consider the landscape and surrounding structures when positioning the discharge hose․ Avoid directing water towards neighboring properties or areas where it could create a hazard․ Regularly inspect the hose for leaks or damage, and replace it if necessary to maintain safe operation․ Prioritize safety when handling water discharge․

Filter System Flow Explained
Cleaned pool water returns from the filter tank’s bottom, passes through the control valve, and then flows back to the pool via the piping system․
Water Flow Through the Filter Tank
Water enters the Hayward Pro Grid vertical filter tank through the inlet, initially passing through the multiport valve․ This valve directs the water flow based on the selected cycle – filter, backwash, rinse, or waste․ During normal filtration, water proceeds through the grid assembly, a network of vertically oriented grids coated with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder․
As water permeates this DE layer, microscopic particles are trapped, resulting in exceptionally clear water․ The cleaned water then collects at the bottom of the tank, flowing through the internal piping and back towards the multiport valve․ From there, it’s returned to the pool via the outlet piping․ The entire process ensures continuous circulation and purification, maintaining pristine pool water quality․ Regular DE replenishment is crucial for optimal performance․