CA280 - Water filter ASTRALPOOL - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	AstralPool
Model	CA280
Product Type	Media Filter (Sand Filter)
Tank Diameter	665 mm
Filter Area	0.30 m²
Port Size	40 mm
6-Hour Turnover	100,800 liters
8-Hour Turnover	134,400 liters
Sand Required (Standard)	120 kg
Dimensions (with Valve Installed)	106 cm (H) x 66.5 cm (W)
Shipping Weight	20 kg
Maximum Operating Pressure	250 kPa
Valve Positions	6 (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Closed, Recirculate)
Pressure Gauge	Liquid-filled glycerin, 0-250 kPa
Installation Base	Concrete slab or solid base recommended
Ventilation Requirement	Adequate ventilation for pump
Backwash Trigger	When pressure increases 30-40 kPa from starting pressure
Backwash Duration	3-5 minutes or until sight glass runs clean
Rinse Duration After Backwash	1 minute
Recommended Media	Quartz silica sand, glass, or zeolite
Warranty Registration	Register at www.astralpool.com.au/warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - CA280 ASTRALPOOL

How do I install sand into the CA280 filter?

First, check the filter size to determine the correct amount of sand (120 kg for standard sand). Ensure the lateral hub and stand pipe are intact. Fill the tank half full with water, place the loading disc over the stand pipe, then slowly add dry sand until it reaches the shoulder level of the filter. Remove the disc and ensure the stand pipe remains centered.

What are the valve positions on the 6-position selector valve?

The six positions are: Filter (normal operation), Backwash (clean the sand), Rinse (settle sand after backwash), Waste (bypass filter to drain), Closed (shut off flow), and Recirculate (bypass filter to pool). Always stop the pump before changing positions.

How often should I backwash the filter?

Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 30-40 kPa higher than the starting pressure. Typically this may be once a week or more often during heavy use. Run backwash for 3-5 minutes or until the sight glass shows clean water.

What do I do if the pressure gauge does not return to zero?

The gauge is liquid-filled and may shift during shipping. To reset, lift one edge of the rubber stopper on top of the gauge to equalize pressure. Keep the gauge vertical with stopper up to avoid glycerin leakage, then replace the stopper.

What type of sand should I use?

Use an approved form of Quartz Silica sand, glass, or zeolite. The table specifies 120 kg of standard sand, but alternative media like Viron Active Course (45 kg) or Viron Active Fine (75 kg) may be used. Ensure the media is sized appropriately.

What is the maximum operating pressure for the CA280?

The maximum operating pressure is 250 kPa (approx. 36 psi) for the CA Series. Never exceed this pressure; if the gauge reads higher, backwash or check for blockages.

How do I perform the initial start-up after installing sand?

After loading sand and installing the valve, prime the pump. Set the valve to Backwash, start pump, and run for 3 minutes. Stop pump, set to Rinse, run for 1 minute. Stop pump, set to Filter, restart pump. Adjust skimmer/main drain valves for balanced flow.

What regular maintenance does the CA280 require?

Fortnightly: check pressure gauge. Three monthly: inspect inlet/outlet O-rings for leaks, clean and grease if needed. Annually: compare operating pressure to initial pressure; if more than 30-40 kPa different, replace sand. For media like zeolite, regenerate with salt.

Can I install the filter below pool level?

Yes, but you must install isolating valves to prevent flooding from back siphoning. Ensure the system is on a solid base to avoid settlement, as the filled filter can exceed 250 kg.

How do I register the warranty for my AstralPool CA280?

Visit www.astralpool.com.au/warranty or scan the QR code on the manual to register your product. Record the model number, serial number, and initial pressure for reference.

USER MANUAL CA280 ASTRALPOOL

CA, ECA, Series MEDIA Filters

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

ECA SERIES FILTER CA SERIES FILTER

Two identical industrial equipment cases with metallic components, one labeled 'ICAM' and the other 'ZT', shown side by side (no text or symbols on the devices themselves)

Model No.	Tank Diameter	Filter Area	Port Size	6 Hr. Turnover	8 Hr. Turnover	Sand Req'd.	VIRON ACTIVE COURSE	VIRON ACTIVE FINE
CA280	665 mm	0.30 Sq M	40 mm	100,800 ltrs	134,400 ltrs	120 kg	45 kg	75kg
CA300	665 mm	0.30 Sq M	50 mm	108,000 lts	144,000 lts	120 kg	45 kg	75 kg
CA340	742 mm	0.38 Sq M	50 mm	115,200 ltrs	153,600 trs	150 kg	60 kg	90kg
CA400	816 mm	0.46 sq M	50 mm	144,000 ltrs	192,000 ltrs	200 kg	75 kg	125kg

Dimensions With Valve Installed
Model	Height	Width	Shipping Weight
CA280	106 cm	66.5cm	20 kg
CA300	107.6 cm	66.5cm	21 kg
CA 340	107.6 cm	74.2 cm	22 kg
CA400	123.3cm	81.6 cm	28 kg

ECA SERIES MEDIA FILTERS

		Dimensions With Valve Installed
		Model	Height		Width		Shipping Weight
		ECA 550ECA 650	98 cm105 cm		58.6 cm66.5cm		13 kg17 kg
ModelNo.	TankDiameter	Filter Area	PortSize	6 Hr.Turnover		8 Hr.Turnover	VIRONACTIVECOURSE	VIRONACTIVEFINE	Sand Req'd
ECA550ECA650	586 mm665 mm	0.23 Sq M0.30 Sq M	40 mm40 mm	65,000 ltrs92,000 ltrs		85,000 ltrs120,000 ltrs	30 kg45kg	50kg75kg	80 kg120 kg

INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

GENERAL NOTES

1. When unpacking the filter, be sure the unit is complete and no visible shipping damage has occurred.
2. Allow sufficient clearance around filter system for access and maintenance.
3. Provide adequate ventilation for pumping equipment, installed in conjunction with filter.
4. Provide solid mounting for filter and pump. If installed outdoors, install the system on a slab or solid concrete base to avoid risk of settlement. Filter systems once located with sand and water can exceed a weight of 250 kg. If installed indoors, ensure doorway allows sufficient clearance should filter tank require replacing.
5. Installation of filters and pumps should be located as close to the pool as possible to avoid excessive piping friction loss.
6. If system is installed below pool level it is important to install isolating valves to prevent risk of flooding from back up water, from the pool or spa.
7. The proper sand selection is critical to good filter performance. Ensure that the media is an approved form of Quartz Silica sand, glass or Zeolite.
8. The installation of filters requires no special tools.
9. Confirm that plumbing lines from pool are correctly identified. This will ensure proper connection to markings on filter valve (i.e. "Pump", "Waste", and "Return").

Once the filter system has been positioned, the installation of filter sand may be undertaken as follows:

1. Check filter size in order to determine necessary amount of sand required.
2. Double check that the internal system consisting of a lateral hub and stand pipe are intact inside the tank.
3. Fill tank half full with water.
4. Place the disposable loading disc into the upper tank opening and the plastic cover over stand pipe to stabilise the filter and stand pipe. It is important that the stand pipe remains centered through the sand loading procedure to ensure alignment with valve assembly opening.
5. Proceed to load correct volume of dry sand slowly (if sand is saturated loading can be difficult).
6. Once sand is loaded discard loading disc and check to determine if stand pipe is properly centered in tank opening.
7. Fill with sand, glass or other approved sand to the shoulder level of the filter.

INSTALLATION OF SELECTOR VALVE

1. Following the sand loading, clean any sand particles or debris from upper surface of tank opening.
2. Install six (6) position selector valve after placing O-Ring in cavity on tank body. Place valve into tank opening while ensuring that the O-Ring has remained in position.
3. Install selector valve into top tank opening and rotate valve to best suit plumbing lines.

a. CA Series: once valve positioned, tighten the lock ring firmly by hand.
b. ECA Series: once valve positioned, fit clamp band assembly around neck of filter and valve and tighten sufficiently for good engagement.
c. Note: It is not necessary to over tighten.

1. Double check that incoming pool lines are connected to appropriate valve openings as marked on valve port (i.e. pump, return (pool) and waste).

2. The threaded openings on valve are 40mm or 50mm thread which all accommodate Astral Pool barrel unions supplied with the filter. O-rings are supplied to fit between the multiport valve and barrel union. It is only necessary to tighten by hand. THE USE OF TEFLON TAPE IS NOT REQUIRED.

3. Remove plug from side wall of valve and install threaded pressure gauge (if not already fitted) using Teflon tape wrap. Do not over tighten. Minimal hand tightening is adequate to provide a good seal.

NOTE:

How to correct a liquid filled gauge that has moved off of "0 psi" during shipping?

Why it happens

Liquid filled pressure and vacuum gauges are tested for accuracy at the factory. However, during transport, changes in temperature and altitude may cause a shift in the gauge's internal pressure. That, in turn, causes the gauge's resting point to change. There are no long term side effects from these changes if the gauge is vented to equalize that pressure.

If the gauge is placed in a location where big temperature changes are common, you may want to vent it when major changes occur. When installing new gauges, it is a good practice to mount them with the stopper up so that they can be vented easily

How to fix it

On top of the gauge is a rubber stopper which secures the liquid filling. To calibrate a gauge that is not returning to zero, just lift one edge of the stopper to equalize the pressure inside. Try to position the gauge so that the stopper opening is pointed upward and any air bubble inside the pressure gauge is at the near it. After venting the gauge, you should see the pointer move back to 0 psi, remember to keep the gauge vertical (stopper on top), so that the oil doesn't leak out.

If a little of the liquid escapes, just wipe it away. Astralpool uses non-toxic food grade glycerin to fill its gauges. Wiping away the excess is important however, as left over glycerin will collect dust and debris if it is not cleaned off. Replace the stopper when finished. The gauge will work without stopper replacement, but it should be put back in place to maintain a clear dial. An open top will allow dust and debris into the casing, which could cloud the readout and might damage the gauge over time.

The operation and the positions of valve settings are as follows:

Valve Settings	Direction of flow through Valve
Filter (also during vacuuming)	From pump down through valve, through sand bed, up through stand pipe to valve and back through pool return.
Back Wash	From pump, through valve, down through stand pipe, up through sand bed, and through valve to waste.
Rinse	Flow from pump, through valve, down through sand bed, up through stand pipe, through valve to waste. (Position also used for initial start-up and levelling sand bed after Back-wash)
Waste	From pump, through valve to waste. Also position for lowering water level or assist in draining pool.
Closed	From pump to valve without further circulation. Prevents any flow to filter and pool.
Recirculate	From pump through valve to pool. This position bi-passes the filter and is used for circulation of pool water only.

NOTE: Always "STOP" pump when changing selector valve position.

INITIAL START - UP

1. Make sure the correct amount of sand is in the filter tank.
2. Prime pump.
3. Set valve handle in BACK WASH position.
4. Start pump and operate in BACK WASH cycle for three (3) minutes. This will purge the filter of excess fines in the sand.
5. Turn pump OFF and set valve handle to RINSE. Start pump and run for one (1) minute.
6. Stop pump and set valve handle to FILTER. Restart pump. System is now operating on a normal FILTER cycle.
7. Adjust the valves in the skimmer and main drain lines (if provided) to achieve balanced flow rates.
8. When a pool is filled initially, the filter may have to be BACK WASHED once a day until the water becomes sparkling clear. From that point on, BACK WASH when pressure gauge indicates 30 to 40 kPa higher than at starting pressure.

OPERATIONAL & INSTALLATION TIPS

1. Always turn pump "OFF" before changing valve positions.
2. Never run pump dry as it depends on water for lubrication.
3. Always maintain minimum water level to 12 way up the skimmer mouth.
4. Clean pump strainer regularly.
5. Maintain a proper chemical balance in the pool.
6. Maximum operating pressure is 250kPa on CA Series and 200 kPa on ECA Series.
7. Ensure pressure gauge on valve is positioned so that rain water cannot collect on glass face.
8. Back wash filter regularly for 3-5 minutes or until sight glass runs clean each time to ensure sand is completely cleaned.
9. Always rinse for 1 minute after each backwash and before returning valve position to filter.

Maintenance of your filter

Maintenance Schedule: You new product incorporates moving parts and withstands high velocity water with chemicals in it. Some of these parts will wear in the normal course of use and require regular checks and maintenance. Performing these checks and maintenance will identify parts that have worn and require repair/replacement before further serious damage is sustained. A small amount of regular care and attention to your pool equipment will help ensure long life and trouble free performance.

Timing	Maintenance Check	Service action (if required)
Fortnightly	Check pressure gauge. If pressure increase is greater than 20kPa cleaning may be required	Perform backwash according to instructions
Three Monthly	Check inlet/outlet o’rings for leaks	Isolate Pump, turn power off, clean and grease O rings or replace if necessary
Annually	Compare operating pressure of backwashed filter to initial pressure (when new)If using Zeolite or M3, regenerate filter sand.This is important in commercial applications as it aids in the removal of ammonias.	If pressure is more than 30 – 40 kPa different from new filter, a sand change may be requiredAdd salt to filter sand per supplier. Allow to sit for 24 hours then backwash, rinse and return to filter.

Important note: Regular maintenance is important to ensure long life and trouble free performance of your pool equipment. If unable to perform the maintenance yourself, contact your local AstralPool office who will arrange a trained service technician to perform the maintenance for you.

Record your Equipment details here for quick reference:

Model No.: ____

Serial No.: ____

Initial Pressure (kPa): ____

AstralPool Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 97 007 284 504) ("AstralPool") provides the following warranty in relation to its CA, ECA Series Sand Filters. ("Product").

For full warranty terms and conditions and to register your warranty, simply visit www.astralpool.com.au/warranty and complete your details. Or scan the QR code and be taken directly to the registration page.

Record your equipment details here for quick reference:

Model No.: ____

Serial No.:

INST368

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www.astralpool.com.au