Replacing Your Pool Filter Housing: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace a haward pool filter housing

Replacing a Hayward pool filter housing is a relatively easy and inexpensive project. The process involves removing the old filter, cutting and reconnecting pipes, and installing a new filter. This can be done using simple hand tools and Hayward filter parts. Before starting, it is important to turn off the electricity to the pump motor to avoid any accidents. The steps include draining the tank, removing the old filter, preparing the pipes for the new filter, and installing the new filter.

How to Replace a Hayward Pool Filter Housing

Characteristics Values
Tools required Hack saw, plumbing tape, indoor-outdoor silicon, adjustable pliers with 2 gap minimum, square corner ruler or level, magic marker, medium sandpaper, PCV cement, PVC cleaner
Materials required Two PVC pipe couplings (one side threaded, the other non-threaded), four 90º angle PVC couplings, PVC pipe
First steps Turn off electricity to the pump motor via the fuse box, remove the filter cartridge from the housing
Next steps Put silicone into threads of filter housing, wrap plumbers tape around the threaded side of coupling, install threaded couplings on both openings of housing, position the housing, cut a section of pipe that fits into the filter output port and extend it to the pipe that leads to the pool, cut the pipe to size, cement into the coupling
Following steps Line up the filter output pipe with the pipe to the pool, make a mark beneath the pipe with the marker, cut the pipe so it butts up against the pipe, use a corner ruler or level to ensure the pipe is straight, cut with a hacksaw blade under the pipe, clean both sides of the 90º coupling, rub the edges of the pipes with a file or sandpaper, test the fitting before gluing, brush pipe and coupling with PVC cleaner, cement pipes and coupling together
Next steps Cut a 6” - 8” section of pipe and cement it into the threaded coupling, put (do not cement) the 90º coupling at the end, cut another piece of pipe that when sitting vertical in the coupling, extends above the motor at least 12” – 15” (you will trim this down later) and set into coupling, this will be your INTAKE PIPE, make sure it is straight up and down, now you can cement the assembly
Following steps Go to the pump motor and cut the existing pipe extending from the pump 4” – 6” above the fitting, set the 90º coupling into this pipe, do not cement, cut a piece of pipe that fits into the coupling and extends to the INTAKE PIPE, with a corner ruler or level, make sure the top pipe is completely straight and level, make a mark on the INTAKE PIPE and cut to size
Next steps Put the coupling in, do not cement, make sure everything lines up straight and correctly, once you are confident that everything lines up, cement the whole assembly together, give the cement a couple of hours to set, open the filter housing and check for debris or parts from your work, put the filter cartridge back in, turn on the pump and check for leaks

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Tools and materials needed

Tools:

  • Hack saw
  • Adjustable pliers with a 2-gap minimum
  • Square corner ruler or level
  • Magic marker
  • Medium sandpaper
  • PVC cement
  • PVC cleaner

Materials:

  • Two PVC pipe couplings: one side threaded, the other side has no thread as the PVC pipe will fit into the end. Measure the input and output ports of the filter housing before purchasing. Typically, it is either 1 1/2" or 2”. Once you establish the proper size, all other PVC material will be the same size.
  • Four 90-degree angle PVC couplings (there are two styles to choose from)
  • PVC pipe – approximate or measure the anticipated length. An 8' length is a good start. Buy extra, you can always return it. Make sure the pipe is labelled "schedule 40" to handle the water pressure.
  • Indoor-outdoor silicon
  • Plumbing tape
  • Teflon tape
  • Super glue or liquid two-part epoxy, like Plast-Aid

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Removing the old filter

Before removing the old filter, make sure you have the right tools and materials. You will need a hacksaw, plumbing tape, indoor-outdoor silicon, adjustable pliers with a 2-gap minimum, a square corner ruler or level, a magic marker, medium sandpaper, PVC cement, and a PVC cleaner. You will also need two PVC pipe couplings, four 90-degree angle PVC couplings, and a length of PVC pipe (8' is a good start).

Now, let's get into the step-by-step guide for removing the old filter:

Step 1: Turn off the electricity going to the pump motor via your fuse box. This is crucial to ensure your safety and prevent any accidents.

Step 2: Take out the filter cartridge from the housing to protect it during the replacement process. Put the top back on the housing.

Step 3: Using a hacksaw, cut out the old filter if you haven't done so already.

Step 4: Apply silicone to the threads of the filter housing and spin it around with your finger for an even coating.

Step 5: Wrap the threaded side of the coupling with plumbing tape in a counterclockwise direction, approximately 7-10 times.

Step 6: Install the threaded couplings on both openings of the housing. Use adjustable pliers to tighten them, being careful not to over-tighten.

Step 7: Position the housing in your desired location, ensuring that the output port lines up correctly with the existing outlet pipe to the pool. It is important to get this alignment right, so take your time.

Step 8: Cut a section of PVC pipe that fits into the filter output port. Use the PVC cleaner and cement to secure it in place.

Step 9: Line up the filter output pipe with the pipe leading to the pool. Make a mark beneath the pipe with the magic marker and cut the pipe to ensure a snug fit. You may need to lift it up slightly to get a nice fitting.

Step 10: Use a corner ruler or level to ensure the pipe is straight. Cut the pipe with the hacksaw blade under the pipe if adjustments are needed.

Step 11: Rub the edges of the pipes with sandpaper to smooth them out. Test the fitting to ensure everything lines up correctly before gluing.

Step 12: Brush the pipe and coupling with the PVC cleaner. Once the cleaner has dried, apply the PVC cement to join the pipe and coupling together securely.

Step 13: Cut a 6"-8" section of pipe and cement it into the threaded coupling. Do not cement the 90-degree coupling at the end yet.

Step 14: Cut another piece of pipe that, when sitting vertical in the coupling, extends above the motor by at least 12"-15". This will be your intake pipe. Ensure it is straight up and down.

Step 15: Cement the assembly to secure the intake pipe in place.

Step 16: Go to the pump motor and cut the existing pipe extending from the pump, leaving 4"-6" above the fitting.

Step 17: Set the 90-degree coupling into the pipe but do not cement it yet.

Step 18: Cut a piece of pipe that fits into the coupling and extends to the intake pipe.

Step 19: Use a corner ruler or level to ensure the top pipe is completely straight and level. Make a mark on the intake pipe and cut it to size.

Step 20: Put the coupling in without cementing it and ensure everything lines up straight and correctly.

Once you are satisfied with the alignment, you can move on to installing the new filter housing. Remember to give the cement a couple of hours to set before turning on the pump and checking for leaks.

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Preparing the new filter housing

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a hacksaw, plumbing tape, indoor-outdoor silicone, adjustable pliers with a 2-gap minimum, a square corner ruler or level, a magic marker, medium sandpaper, PVC cement, and a PVC cleaner. For materials, you will require two PVC pipe couplings (one side threaded, the other non-threaded), four 90-degree angle PVC couplings, and a length of PVC pipe (8' is a good starting point, but you can always cut it down if needed).

Now, onto the steps for preparing the new filter housing:

  • Measuring and cutting the PVC pipe: Measure the INPUT and OUTPUT ports of the new filter housing. The size is typically either 1 1/2" or 2". Based on this measurement, cut the PVC pipe to the appropriate length. Remember to leave a minimum of 6" of pipe extending from each outlet.
  • Preparing the filter housing: Apply silicone into the threads of the new filter housing and spin it around with your finger. This will help create a tight seal.
  • Wrapping the couplings: Take your plumbing tape and wrap it counterclockwise around the threaded side of the couplings 7-10 times. This will help prevent leaks when you attach the couplings to the filter housing.
  • Attaching the couplings: Install the threaded couplings onto both openings of the new filter housing. Use your adjustable pliers to tighten them, but be careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the threads.
  • Positioning the housing: Place the new filter housing in the desired position, ensuring that the output port lines up correctly with the existing outlet pipe to the pool. It is crucial that the INPUT and OUTPUT ports are positioned properly. Remember, the output port connects to the pipe leading to the pool.
  • Connecting the pipes: Cut a section of your PVC pipe to fit into the filter output port. Extend it to reach the pipe that leads to your pool, and cut it to size. Test the length, and then use PVC cement to secure it into the coupling.
  • Marking and cutting the pipe: Line up the filter output pipe with the pipe leading to the pool. Use your magic marker to make a mark beneath the pipe, and then cut the pipe so that it fits snugly against the pool pipe. You may need to lift it slightly to get a nice, tight fit.
  • Ensuring straight pipes: Use a corner ruler or level to check that the pipes are straight and even. It is important that they are level to ensure proper water flow and to prevent leaks.
  • Testing the fitting: Before gluing anything into place, test the fitting to ensure everything lines up correctly. You can make minor adjustments as needed.
  • Cleaning and gluing: Clean the edges of the pipes with sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface. Then, brush the pipe and coupling with PVC cleaner. Once the cleaner has dried, apply PVC cement to join the pipes and couplings together securely.

By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared the new filter housing for your Hayward pool filter replacement. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and always refer to the instructions provided with your specific filter model.

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Installing the new filter housing

Before installing the new filter housing, ensure that you have turned off the electricity going to the pump motor via your fuse box. This will prevent the pump from turning on while you are working. Now, take the filter cartridge out of the housing and put the top back on to prevent any damage to the cartridge.

First, put silicone into the threads of the new filter housing and spin it around with your finger. Then, wrap plumber's tape around the threaded side of the coupling 7-10 times, in a counter-clockwise direction. Install the threaded couplings on both openings of the housing and use pliers to tighten them, being careful not to over-tighten.

Now, position the new housing where you want it, ensuring that the output port lines up correctly with the existing outlet pipe to the pool. The INPUT and OUTPUT ports should be positioned properly, with the output going to the pool pipe. There is usually a diagram on the front of the filter to help with this. Make sure there is at least 6" of pipe extending from each outlet.

Cut a section of pipe that fits into the filter output port and extend it to the pipe that leads to your pool, cutting it to size. Test the length and then cement it into the coupling. Line up the filter output pipe with the pipe to the pool, and make a mark beneath the pipe with a marker. Cut the pipe so that it butts up against the other pipe. The pipe will likely slant down a little, so lift it up to get a nice fitting. Use a corner ruler or level to ensure the pipe is straight, and cut with a hacksaw blade if needed.

Clean both sides of the 90-degree coupling and rub the edges of the pipes with a file or sandpaper. Test the fitting before gluing to ensure everything lines up correctly. Then, brush the pipe and coupling with PVC cleaner. After the cleaner has dried, cement the pipes and coupling together.

For the intake connection, cut a 6"-8" section of pipe and cement it into the threaded coupling. Put (do not cement) the 90-degree coupling at the end. Cut another piece of pipe that, when sitting vertical in the coupling, extends above the motor by at least 12"-15". This will be your intake pipe. Ensure it is straight up and down, then cement the assembly.

Go to the pump motor and cut the existing pipe extending from the pump, leaving 4"-6" above the fitting. Set the 90-degree coupling into this pipe without cementing it. Cut a piece of pipe that fits into the coupling and extends to the intake pipe, and cut to size. Ensure the top pipe is completely straight and level using a corner ruler or level, and make a mark on the intake pipe to cut to size. Put the coupling in without cementing and check that everything lines up straight and correctly. Once you are satisfied, cement the whole assembly together.

Give the cement a couple of hours to set. Open the filter housing and check for any debris or parts that may have fallen inside. Put the filter cartridge back in and turn on the pump to check for leaks.

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Final checks and adjustments

Once you have completed the installation of your new Hayward pool filter housing, there are a few final checks and adjustments you should make to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Firstly, inspect the filter housing for any signs of leaks. This includes checking the pipes, connections, and valves for any water escaping. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections and pipes, ensuring they are secure but not over-tightened.

Next, check the filter pressure. Ensure the filter pressure gauge is functioning correctly and reading within the normal range. If the pressure is lower than normal, it may indicate an obstruction before the filter, such as a clogged pump basket or impeller. If the pressure is higher than normal, it suggests a blockage at or beyond the pool filter, such as a clogged filter or partially closed return valve.

Inspect the pipes and valves for any signs of damage or cracks. If you notice any cracks, follow the repair steps outlined earlier, cutting the pipe, filling the crack with epoxy, and allowing it to set before reinstalling. Ensure that all pipes are securely connected, and if necessary, apply PVC primer and glue to create a strong bond.

Finally, turn on the pump and observe the system. Ensure that the filter is functioning correctly and that there are no unusual noises or vibrations. Check the water flow and ensure it is aligned correctly, with the output going to the pool pipe. Adjust the pipes as needed to ensure proper water flow.

These final checks and adjustments will help ensure your new Hayward pool filter housing is installed correctly and functioning optimally. It is important to take your time and carefully inspect each component to prevent any future issues or leaks.

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