Espa FILTERKIT PLUS (FKP) Manuel D'instructions page 10

2. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
2.1. Swimming pool water.
Swimming pool water tends to get dirty due to being
exposed to outdoor conditions and use by bathers.
Wind and rain carry dust, earth, plant remains and
organic substances into the pool, which over the
course of time cloud the water. Also, due to lying
still, the pool water is not sufficiently oxygenated.
This, together with exposure to sunlight and
temperature changes,
conditions for the reproduction of parasites and
bacteria, leading in turn to the formation of algae.
All this means that within a few days an untreated
swimming pool can become a place little-suited to
and unpleasant for bathing. Two very different, yet
mutually inseparable treatments are used to
combat such problems:
– Chemical treatment: This consists in maintaining
sufficient amounts of disinfectant in the water to
impede the development of any bacteria and micro-
organisms that may get into the pool. Chlorine is
the chemical element most widely used to disinfect
the water. These products remove calcareous
incrustations and organic substances that adhere to
the pool walls and bottom.
– Physical treatment: Filtering is the system used
for physical treatment. This consists in removing all
impurities dissolved in the water and carried into it
by wind and bathers.
2.2. pH
The pH reading shows the water's degree of acidity
or alkalinity, an essential factor for ensuring the
good state of the water and sound operation of the
filter. pH levels ranging between 7.2 and 7.6 have
to be maintained if the chlorine is to act on the
water bacteria and the water itself is to remain
clean and healthy.
If pH levels exceed this range the water tends to
cloud and algae appear. The lime tends to
precipitate out onto the pool bottom, blocking the
filter. If pH levels are lower, on the other hand, the
water contains excess chlorine. Rather than
increasing its effects on the water, this removes the
chlorine's disinfecting function. Excess chlorine is
noticeable due to an intense odour from the water
and by irritation of the eyes in contact with the
water.
2. 3. Filtration
Filtration is an operation essential for maintaining
the quality of the water in the swimming pool. It also
helps to reduce water consumption, since it allows
the water to be used over a longer period.
The filter has the function of
separating the solid particles in suspension in the
pool water. This operation is carried out using a
special type of sand consisting of silicon grains that
retain the dirtiness dissolved in the water. During
the filtering, the water-passage rate is reduced, and
the particles steadily adhere to the grains of sand,
thus reducing pump flow.
creates favourable
mechanically
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In this process the water is carried towards the filter
by a pump that sucks the water from the swimming-
pool through the sump, skimmers and bottom
cleaner. Each suction element is fitted with its own
pipe and valve so that it can be closed
independently of the others.
Following filtering, the water is returned to the pool
through the various distribution lines.
The main parts of the filtering system are the filter,
the pump and the selector valve.
The filtering unit is designed in compliance with the
EN 16713-1 standard.
2.4. Control of operations
The various operations of the filtering system are
controlled through the six-position selector valve.
ENSURE THAT THE PUMP IS NOT IN
OPERATION BEFORE CHANGING THE
POSITION OF THE VALVE.
The main operations permitted by the valve are:
2.4.1. Filtering (Fig. 1)
This consists in recirculating the water of the
swimming pool from the skimmer and overflow,
driving it by means of the pump through the filter
and returning the filtered water to the swimming
pool.
2.4.2. Washing
If the filter is saturated (see point 2.5) it must be
washed. This consists of 2 stages:
a) Inverse or backflow washing: (Fig.2)
Countercurrent circulation of the water through the
filter and towards the outflow for approximately 3
minutes.
b) Rinsing: (Fig. 3)
Circulation of water through the filter towards the
outflow, until the water is clear. (See inspection
window). In the absence of a window, perform this
operation for ½ - 1minute.
2.4.3. Recirculation (Fig. 5)
When the selector valve is in this position, the water
from the pump is recirculated directly towards the
swimming pool, without passing inside the filter.
2.4.4. Draining (Fig. 4)
If the swimming pool has no drain at the bottom, the
pool can be drained using the equipment pump.
This procedure can also be used for cleaning major
accumulations of dirt from the swimming-pool
bottom with the bottom-suction unit, thereby
preventing the dirtiness passing through the filter.
2.4.5. Closed (Fig. 6)
All functions are interrupted in this position. It is
used for undertaking maintenance tasks on the
filtration tank.
EN