Hayward 4820 d.e. filter cleaning

Complete disassembly is required for a proper cleaning of the grids. guys, don’t let the lengthy instructions fool you, this job is pretty easy to do, the process usually takes me 30-45 mins

Detailed instructions:

tools needed:

-7/8″ or a 9/16″ deep socket for clamp
-ratchet (i use a battery powered impact)
-skinny wrench or small channel locks for removing plug
-1/2″ deep socket for manifold nut
-hose and a good pressure nozzle
-needle nose vice grips to hold rod while loosening manifold nut
-mallet for tightening filter clamp
-d.e. powder for recharging filter

-turn off equipment at breaker to make sure pump will not turn on while cleaning the filter
-remove filter tank clamp
-remove top half of filter tank- don’t worry about pressure if equipment is off, however there will be suction tension in filter which will need to be relieved in order to remove the lid. to relieve the tension simply remove drain plug and allow water to drain from tank, it helps if the air relief on top of the tank is open as well. if the water is out and you still can’t remove lid try gently using a flat head screwdriver to pry the tank apart.
-the manifold should have handles where you can lift straight up and out, careful not to move base of filter around too much
-to remove grids from manifold use a 1/2″ socket and a long pair of needle nose vice grips to hold the bolt rod
-collect large chunks of d.e. in a bucket to avoid a big mess
-hose off panels
-reassemble grids on manifold upside-down, there is 1 small grid the rest are the same size, when you find the hole where a large grid won’t go because of the manifold return port you will have found the home for the small grid with all grids in place it’s time to put the bottom/rod back on, slide rod through hole in manifold, you’ll notice a notch in the bottom, line that up with the manifold outlet port and wiggle around until the grids are seated snug in top and bottom, you should be able to sandwich the whole thing and turn right side up without it wiggling around.
-tighten manifold nut being careful not to over tighten, i have a long 1/2″ socket and I only use my hand not a ratchet. flip unit upside down and check again that everything is seated properly. i might do this a few times to be sure all the grids are seated right.
-hose out inside of tank and clean dirt from tank lip where gasket sits using a rag
-lube plug seal, the large tank gasket and also pipe stem seal (tank gasket should fit snug, if loosy goosy you might have a hard time getting lid back on in which case you might want to replace the gasket)
-put the grid assemble back into filter sliding the pipe stem into manifold port
-reinstall lid and clamp, bang around clamp with a mallet as you tighten, no need to go crazy here.. also be careful not to strip your clamp nut/bolt
-turn on pump and check for leaks
-if no leaks recharge with 6lbs of d.e. for a 4820

this process should be the same for most newer style residential d.e. filters. check your filter label for amount of d.e. to put in.