How to Connect Pentair Cartridge Filter to Existing Pipes?

[Mark Shvitz]

I got myself a Pentair EC-160318 filter. Now I have to install it.

The installation instructions are consistent with the industry's obvious efforts to block amateurs, in that they don't actually tell you how to install the filter.

I received a housing with two threaded female fittings on the bottom. Fittings on expensive parts should always be male because female fittings can split when tightened, but never mind the startlingly poor engineering. It's no surprise, since my pump is the same way, and my last pump's outlet split.

I also received two male bits that screw into the female bits.

Question: what do I use to connect the male bits to my PVC? Is this just black PVC? Can I use the same cement I use on the white pipes?

 

[PoolStored]

Post up pictures of your pad, the new filter and the parts you have.

 

[Mark Shvitz]

Thanks, but right now I just need to know if this is PVC.

 

[PoolStored]

I don't know how to tell you if it is PVC or not without brand/part# or pictures.

 

[Newdude]

The installation instructions are consistent with the industry's obvious efforts to block amateurs, in that they don't actually tell you how to install the filter.

There's an inlet and and outlet.

Question: what do I use to connect the male bits to my PVC? Is this just black PVC? Can I use the same cement I use on the white pipes?

The manual I found talks about using flex pipe and hose clamps on page 4. Pics might help us decide.




The full manual is in a PDF below.

 

[Newdude]

Is your pool above ground or did I find the wrong manual ?


Please take a moment and fill out your signature. Not for nothing, but it sucks trying to help someone who gives you crumbs to go on. Help us help you.

 

[PoolStored]

 

[Newdude]

* also.

Why do you need a new filter ?

 

[1poolman1]

I got myself a Pentair EC-160318 filter. Now I have to install it.

The installation instructions are consistent with the industry's obvious efforts to block amateurs, in that they don't actually tell you how to install the filter.

I received a housing with two threaded female fittings on the bottom. Fittings on expensive parts should always be male because female fittings can split when tightened, but never mind the startlingly poor engineering. It's no surprise, since my pump is the same way, and my last pump's outlet split.

I also received two male bits that screw into the female bits.

Question: what do I use to connect the male bits to my PVC? Is this just black PVC? Can I use the same cement I use on the white pipes?

Yes, it is just black PVC. Same primer and glue.
Threaded female fittings will split (especially in plastic parts) if you thread the male portion in too far. It would happen regardless of which part is FIP or MIP. There should always be between 3 and 5 threads showing when properly sealed tightened as pipe threads are wedge shaped and will split the female portion.
Also, that filter should have come with half unions in the package.

 

[Mark Shvitz]

It's for in-ground pools.

Yes, it is just black PVC. Same primer and glue.
Threaded female fittings will split (especially in plastic parts) if you thread the male portion in too far. It would happen regardless of which part is FIP or MIP. There should always be between 3 and 5 threads showing when properly sealed tightened as pipe threads are wedge shaped and will split the female portion.
Also, that filter should have come with half unions in the package.

Thanks for confirming that. After I posted here, I found a video where someone was using PVC cement on a similar filter. Looks like I'm ready to go.

 

[1poolman1]

It's for in-ground pools.



Thanks for confirming that. After I posted here, I found a video where someone was using PVC cement on a similar filter. Looks like I'm ready to go.

Filters just filter, they don't "care" if the pool is above ground, partially in ground, in ground.

 

[Newdude]

Filters just filter, they don't "care" if the pool is above ground, partially in ground, in ground.

It was relevant for the fittings. The manual discussed using hose clamps and flex pipe to attach to the filter, and also at the skimmer. If OP was looking at barbed fittings, they wouldn't be traditional PVC fittings, possibly causing the confusion on how to install them.

*edit. Or the interwebs gave me the wrong manual, but it proves OPs point that Pentair made it difficult to learn how to install it.

 

[Newdude]

@Mark Shvitz which filter did you have and what was wrong with it ?

If changing styles the ports may be reversed so make sure you get the in to the in and not the in to the out.

 

[1poolman1]

It was relevant for the fittings. The manual discussed using hose clamps and flex pipe to attach to the filter, and also at the skimmer. If OP was looking at barbed fittings, they wouldn't be traditional PVC fittings, possibly causing the confusion on how to install them.

*edit. Or the interwebs gave me the wrong manual, but it proves OPs point that Pentair made it difficult to learn how to install it.

The number he gave is for a Pentair Clean and Clear 200, single "no core" cartridge filter , originally manufactured by American Pool Products before Pentair bought them. They come, when new, with interesting half unions that can be rotated for slightly offset plumbing.

 

[Mark Shvitz]

The old filter is a nightmare to work on, and I am tired of shooting DE all over my driveway and lawn.