How to Size D.E. Filter Grid

This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for determining D.E. Filter Grid size. When it comes time to replace the grids on your D.E. filter it may have been years. In that time key information like owner’s manuals could have been lost. The unit tag information may have become worn and unreadable, making it difficult to determine the size and type you need.

1. Tools you will need: 1) Wrench - medium 2) Rubber Mallet or Ball Peen Hammer - medium 3) Pliers 4) Dust mask to protect yourself from any dangerous inhalation of particles.

2. The first step when determining your grid size is to check your owner’s manual to find the make and model listed in its contents.

3. Without an owner's manual handy you can read the unit's tag info, this should provide at least the manufacturer and a serial number. If the tag contains that information you can call the manufacturer and provide them the serial which should allow them to return the model of your filter.

4. If those pieces of information are unattainable you can remove the top of the filter to access the grids and read their tag. Follow the steps below to remove your tank lid.

5. First, before disassembling your filter or changing the valve lever position turn off your pool pump to prevent any excessive water loss or safety hazards.

6. Now that your water is no longer circulating through your filter system, switch your valve to the "Closed" position. When changing your valve setting be sure to always turn the lever in the same direction. By using clockwise and counterclockwise turns of the lever you may cause unseating of the valve key gasket. This unseating may cause leakage from your waste port.

7. Before disassembling the body of your filter you will want to drain the system of its water. Locate the drain plug for your D.E. filter it will be on the lower portion of the filter. In our model it is located here. Wait until the pool filter has completely drained before moving forward.

8. Now that your water has been drained from your pool filter the next step will be to remove the clamp assembly. On our filter model it is located here.

9. This clamp assembly is held together by a nut and bolt set up (Your filter clamp may vary from this model.)

10. To remove the nut you will need pliers to loosen the nut at first, at a certain point you should be able to hand turn it until it is off.

11. Once the nut is extracted you will be able to swing the bolt out and over to the opposite side and out of his guide.

12. The next bolts to loosen will be the ones on the back of the filter that hinge the two pieces of the clamp together. Loosen these with pliers until the metal flange can jiggle. It would be best not to remove these bolts completely as they can be hard to reassemble.

13. A way of releasing the tanks grip is by tamping it with a rubber mallet preferably or very gently with a regular hammer. Be careful not to strike filter too hard as you may damage the shell. After tamping the entire circumference once or twice you should be able to lift the top half off by using the handles of the filter.

14. The grid assembly should now be exposed.

15. On each grid you may find white tag, on this tag you will find the manufacturer of the grid and also the grid model number. With this information you can search the grid pack your D.E. Filter requires. 

16. If no tag is present then you will have to remove the grid assembly from the tank to measure the lengths and widths of a grid

17. On top of the grid assembly there will be a spacer tube you must remove to get to the locking bolt of the manifold assembly, Remove my pulling up and place to the side.

18. On either side of the manifold, there are two handles marked with "Lift Here". Use the provided handles to lift the assembly straight up and out of the filter's bottom half.

19. The D.E. filter grid assembly is now removed from the filter. We can begin measuring the grids. For most of the popular brings like Hayward or Pentair, the measurement you will most need D.E. grid length. The standard lengths are, 12", 18", 24", 30" and 36". Our grid measures as 30" inches long.

20. To measure the width, lay the tape measure over top the manifold. The full grid measure at 11.5" and the partial is 9.5".

21. With the measurements of 30" X 11.5" full and 30" X 9.5" for the partial, we can find on INYO's grid chart that we require the 60 sq. ft. grid pack. Find the INYO D.E. Filter Grid chart in our "Cartridges and D.E. Grids" category on the left side panel.

22. Using the handles we used to remove the assembly place the filter grid assembly into the filter body. When placing the grid assembly, align the manifold pipe inlet and manifold pipe. As the grids are lowered into the body, be sure to align the manifold inlet with the filter inlet pipe. These must be connected for water to flow correctly through your filter system.

23. Place the small tube spacer on top of the manifold covering the lock nut.

24. The filter body top is set in place. Before moving to the next step check the seam between the two halves. The space between should be slight and even around the entire circumference.

25. Fasten the clamp to the filter body. If you have loosened the clamp's hinge bolts prior, be sure to tighten these before restarting your filter system.

26. Also, tighten your drain cap if you have not already done so.

27. Check for any loose parts or obvious unsecured pieces, if you do not then you can proceed to restart your pool. Before starting your pump open your valve to the "Filter" position in the same direction you used to close it. Next, you can turn on your pump and continue to enjoy your pool.

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!

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