PANTERA

HIGH-RATE SAND FILTER

OWNER’S
MANUAL
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information 2

Model Data 3

Installation & Assembly 4-8

Startup / Operation 9 - 10

Service & Maintenance 11 - 12

Tank Assembly 13

Troubleshooting 14 - 15

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 1

GENERAL INFORMATION
This filter is designed for use in domestic/residential swimming pool installations with
correctly sanitised fresh or salt chlorinated water. Suitable for use with sand or Zelbrite
filter media.

1. Locate the filter system as close to the pool as practical.

2. Place the filter on a level stable foundation, preferably a concrete pad or paving.
3. Position all equipment to provide ease of access for future
servicing.
4. Protect the filter and pump from weather and direct sunlight by
ensuring that they are properly housed.
5. Ensure there is sufficient space to provide adequate ventilation to
electric pump motor.
6. Clean a new pool as well as possible before filling pool and
operating filter. Excess dirt and large particles of foreign matter in the system can
cause serious damage to the filter and pump.
7. Ensure pump is compatible with filter specifications.

2 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 MODEL DATA
The operator must be provided with the owner’s manual. This must be read before
operation and followed during operation. These instructions are a guide only. Users not
familiar with pool equipment should seek advice for suitably qualified persons with
experience in pool equipment installation.

Manufactured in Australia, the Onga Pantera II sand filter is made from UV stabilised
polyethylene. The reputation of durability and performance makes the PanteraII range
first choice for quality pool builders.

Technical Data
P221 P225 P229 P233
Filter Diameter (mm) 535 635 735 835
Filter Area (m2) (Internal) 0.205 0.293 0.397 0.517
Max Working Pressure (kPa) 250 250 250 250

Maximum Flow Rate (lpm) 165 235 320 415

Design Flow Rate (lpm) 145 205 280 365
Min Flow Rate for Backwashing (lpm) 125 175 240 310

Recommended Pool Volume (litres):

Minimum 30000 45000 60000 75000
Maximum 65000 90000 120000 160000
Filter Height (to top of valve)* 840 960 1090 1170
Required mass of filter media:
Sand (16/30 grade) (kg) 90 140 185 220
Zeolite (kg) 70 105 140 165

Valve Size (connection to PVC) (mm) 40 40 50 50

Glass (Fine/Coarse) 60/30 90/45 120/60 135/75

*It is recommended to ensure there is at least 600mm of clear space above the top of the filter to facilitate servicing.

Due to excessive cycling, this filter is not suitable

for use on inbuilt In-floor Cleaning Systems.

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 3

INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY

Hazardous Pressure
Incorrectly installed or tested equipment may fail, causing severe injury
or property damage. Read and follow instructions in owner’s manual when
installing and operating equipment.
Have a trained pool professional perform all pressure tests.

All glued fittings and pipe work should be allowed to dry to atmosphere for
24 hours before closing the installation. Failure to do so could cause injury
or installation failure.

The fittings on these filters are constructed of ABS. Some PVC jointing
compounds are incompatible with ABS possibly causing failure to the
product. Check compound suitability prior to use.

BEFORE WORKING
ON THE FILTER

HAZARDOUS Pressure! 1. Stop pump.

Can cause severe injury 2. Release all pressure
or major property damage from system by turning
from tank explosion. valve handle to waste.

WARNING BEFORE WORKING ON

PUMP OR MOTOR

Filter pumps require Disconnect power to

hazardous voltage which motor.
can cause shock, burn or
even death.

4 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY
Installation & Assembly of Internal Components
Installation of filter should be only carried out by qualified personnel. Ensure that the
under-drain assembly (hub, laterals & tube) are properly assembled & installed prior to
adding filter media (sand).

1. The filter internals comprise of a collector hub and eight (8) laterals,
which are supplied packaged seperately with the collector hub and are stored inside
the filter tank prior to shipment.
2. Carefully inspect the laterals and hub prior to assembly for any
visible defects.
3. To assemble the laterals and hub please use the following steps. (The connection
between the hub and the lateral is completed inside the filter tank - refer to diagram
on following page)

For P221100 & P225100 Models only:

Push in and align the male tab on the lateral with the female slot in the hub. Rotate the
lateral clockwise until the tabs engage with an audible “click”. Repeat this process for all 8
10 laterals. 9

For P229200 & P233200 Models only:

10
Place the hub inside the neck of the filter tank. Begin by assembling the ‘F’ pieces, align
the lateral key with the hub and insert, turn to lock in place. Repeat with the 4 ‘F’ pieces.
10 9

8
Next, insert the large diameter laterals in the outer socket of the ‘F’ pieces. Repeat 4
10

times. Finally, insert the small laterals into the inner sockets. Repeat 4 times.
11

7
Hub Lateral Model
6

7 Hub Lateral Model

P221& P225 4
P229 & P233
4
3
3
1
1

4
5

2 5 2016 Onwards
3

Important: Ensure slotted side of laterals face downwards from hub after final assembly, and prior to filling with sand.
2 2016 Onwards
3 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 5
INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY

Steps for Installation of Filter Internals

A. Insert first lateral into socket; twist

clockwise 1/4 turn to lock lateral into
hub.Lateral is correctly installed
when slots face down.

B. Insert assembly into

top of filter tank.

C. Hold assembly up near top

of tank and add remaining
laterals.

D. After all laterals

are securely
in sockets,
position
assembly in the
centre on the
bottom of the
tank.

6 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY
Loading Sand Media

1. To keep sand out off collector assembly, place

plastic sand shield over top of collector tube before
pouring sand into filter (See diagram).

2. To support laterals and prevent lateral breakage

during loadings, fill tank about half full of water
before loading sand.

3. Pour sand into filter, making sure that the sand is of

the correct type and quantity for the particular filter
model (Refer to filter label).

Make sure gasket area on top of tank is free of

sand before installing valve.

4. Before installing valve, double-check that the correct quantity of sand has been
loaded.

5. Remove plastic sand loading shield and keep for future use.

Installation of Multi-Port Valve

1. Install o-ring on valve flange; make sure o-ring is clean, and has no nicks, tears, or
scrapes and lubricate with silicon based lubricant.

2. Make sure tank and valve flanges are clean and free of sand; put valve on top of tank.
Vertical pipe of collector assembly inserts into base of valve.

3. Install clamp; make sure knob is positioned for easy access for filter maintenance.
Valve port labelled “Pump” should point toward pump.

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 7

INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY
Hazardous pressure. Clamp will not hold unless it is
seated properly! DO NOT START PUMP until clamp ends
are 1/4” (6mm) apart or less.

4. Tighten clamp knob until clamp ends (under bolt) are 1/4” (6mm) apart.
Tap around outside of clamp with a mallet to help seat clamp.

5.Connect pipe from pump discharge to valve port labelled “PUMP”; use union half
provided. Assemble union as follows for leak free operation:
- o-ring and sealing surfaces must be clean.
- Assemble hand tight only (No wrenches).
- NO pipe compound or teflon tape on unions.

6.Complete all plumbing connections, using 1 1/2” (P221100 & P225100) or 2” (P229200
& P233200) pipe to reduce pressure losses as much as possible.
- Pipe from valve RETURN port to pool return.
- Pipe from valve WASTE port to waste.
- Suction piping from pool to trap inlet on pump.

7. System is ready to start up.

8. If you notice a leak around the clamp area after

15-30 minutes of running, repeat steps 3-4. If there are leaks from beneath valve/
clamp area, STOP PUMP, release all
pressure by turning valve handle to
‘waste’, remove clamp and valve and
clean sealing surfaces.
8 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual
 STARTUP / OPERATION

The filter operator or owner must be provided with this owner’s manual.
This must be read before operation, and followed during operation.

Incorrectly installed or tested equipment may fail, causing severe

injury or property damage. Read and follow instructions in owner’s
manual when installing and operating equipment. Have a trained pool
professional perform all pressure tests.

Hazardous Pressure. To avoid explosion and possible severe or fatal

injury, filter system pressure must not exceed 40psi (280kPa) under
any circumstances. NEVER test this filter system with compressed air;
never operate system with water temperature above 350C.

To prevent equipment damage and possible injury, turn pump OFF

before changing valve position.

Do not add chemicals directly into the pool skimmer. Adding undiluted
chemicals may damage equipment and void warranty.

Multi-Port Valve Settings

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 9

STARTUP / OPERATION

1. Open system valve and make sure pump is filled with water. Make sure pool water
level is 2” (50mm) above bottom of skimmer opening.

2. With pump OFF, set valve to

‘BACKWASH’ position.

3. Start pump, circulating water through filter to waste.

NOTE: To prevent pump running dry, be sure water level never drops below bottom of
skimmer inlet. Add water to pool if necessary to keep skimmer flooded while back-
washing and rinsing.

4. Backwash until water runs clear (1-5 minutes)

5. Stop Pump; set valve to

‘RINSE’ position.

6. Start pump; run pump for 1 minute.

Note: for Zelbrite repeat steps 1 through to 6 three times.

7. Stop pump; set valve to ‘FILTER’

Position.

8. Filter is now ready for service.

9. Record clean starting filter pressure gauge reading as a reference.

10. For new pools, backwash once a day until pool water is sparkling
clear. Backwash when pressure gauge shows 5 to 7 psi (35 to
50kPa) higher than clean starting pressure (refer to step 9).

10 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Hazardous pressure. Stop pump and release all pressure from

system before working on filter, valve, or clamp.

DO NOT use solvents to clean filter; solvents

may damage components in system.

General Maintenance:
Wash outside of filter with a mild detergent and water. Rinse off with hose.

Inspect sand/media bed at least once a year to remove foreign material which has not
been back-washed out of the system.

NOTE:
When the sand/media bed gets hard and crusty on top, remove all the old sand/media
and replace it with new sand/media. Alternatively, if the pressure gauge does not return
to within 40kPa of clean filter pressure after back-washing it is time to replace the filter
media.

Weekly Pool Equipment Inspection

1. Check pressure during operation. When pressure is 5 to 7 psi (35 to 50 kPa) higher
than clean operating pressure, backwash filter (see instructions under Startup/
Operation, page 10).

2. Except during hot weather with heavy skimmer loads, operating filter 6 to 12 hours
per day should be sufficient. Carefully monitor water chemical balance and follow
recommendations of your local pool professional.

Water Maintenance
Keep water level at least 2” (50mm) above bottom of skimmer opening. Failure to do so
can allow air to enter system, causing pump to lose prime and air to enter filter.

Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6 in pool.

To prevent damage to system components, keep

water temperature below 380C at all times.

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 11

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Vacuum Pool
(Refer to cleaner operating manual or consult your local pool professional)
1. Fill vacuum hose by submerging in water from one end to the other.
2. To vacuum, insert hose into skimmer suction manifold or into vacuum line in pool
wall. See instructions provided by the pool builder or pool manufacturer.
Start pump, making sure it is primed and pumping.
3. After vacuuming, clean pump trap basket to remove accumulated debris, then check
filter pressure gauge. If reading is 5 to 7 psi (35 to 50 kPa) higher than initial operating
pressure, backwash filter.

Lower or Drain Pool

1. Turn pump ‘OFF’ ; set valve handle to ‘WASTE’.
2. Use Vaccuum cleaner hose and head.
3. Start pump; run until pool is lowered to desired level.
4. Turn pump ‘OFF’ set valve handle to ‘FILTER’
5. Start pump.

Multi-Port Valve Service

If valve is leaking during normal operation it will need to be
repaired by an authorised Pentair Water service technician.

Valve Removal
Hazardous pressure. Stop pump and release all pressure
from system before working on filter, valve, or clamp.

NOTE: If Multi-Port Valve is below pool water level, close suction and discharge valves
before disassembly to prevent draining pool.
1. Disconnect piping from pump and pool.
2. Remove clamp.
3. Remove valve from filter top.
4. To re-install valve, follow instructions, BE SURE to follow clamp tightening instructions.

12 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 TANK ASSEMBLY
10

11

10 9

9
10

11

8
6
10 9

10

6 11
4

8 1

1
6

4
4
3

2 1

2 2016 Onward
3 2 2016 Onwards
3

Item Description P21 P25 P29 P33

PANTERA HIGH-RATE SAND FILTERS

1 FILTER TANK ASSEMBLY 110550 110551 110552 110553
2 COLLECTOR HUB 24201-0040 24201-0040 5306700 5306700
5306900 (pre 2016) 5306800 (pre 2016)
3 LATERAL STEM 24700-0075 24700-0075
89012516 (2016 onwards) 89012516 (2016 onwards)
5307000 (pre 2016) 5307000 (pre 2016)
4 LATERAL BRANCH - - 01172010 & 01172007 01172010 & 01172007
(2016 onwards) (2016 onwards)
5 LATERAL LOCKING PIN - - 5307200 (pre 2016) 5307200 (pre 2016)
HUB, STANDPIPE & LATERAL KITS 40mm PVC 443mm 40mm PVC 550mm 707671 707672
6 CLAMP ASSEMBLY 24201-0103 24201-0103 24201-0103 24201-0103
7 HANDLE - CLAMP See Clamp Assembly
8 O'RING - TANK FLANGE 702223 702223 702223 702223
9 MULTI-PORT VALVE ASSEMBLY* SR14965-A003 SR14965-A003 SR14971-TM-22-L SR14971-TM-22-L
14965-A033 (includes 3 pieces) U11-182PM (Union Nut)
10 BARREL UNION U11-183PM (Union Tail 40mm Slip) U11-201PM (Union Tail 200-903 (O-ring: 702250)
Threaded) U9-226 (O-Ring Union)
11 PRESSURE GAUGE 5166700 5166700 5166700 5166700
12 BAYONET WASHER (NOT SHOWN) - - 5307100 5307100
13 SAND LOADING DISK (NOT SHOWN) 24201-0063 24201-0063 24201-0063 24201-0063

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 13

TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY

No Water Discharge Pool water level too low Fill Pool to correct level.

Air leaks in inlet fittings Check and tighten all connections.

to pump. Teflon tape fittings.

Short Filter Cycles Filter Dirty Filter not backwashed for long enough
period.

Replace Media (Sand or Zelbrite)

Algae present in Pool DON’T RUN FILTER WITH LIVE ALGAE

water. IN POOL. Check the chemical condition
of pool water and refer to Pool Water
Chemical Treatment. Note: Incorrect
chemical treatment will greatly
shorten filter cycle.

Filter Startup Filter requires Follow backwash procedure outlined

Pressure High and backwash in Manual.
Water Flow Low

Return Line restricted Check for flow at return.

Filter Startup Skimmer Basket full of Clear Skimmer Basket of all foreign
Pressure Low and leaves or debris matter and debris.
Water Flow High
Pump Strainer Lid not Refer to pump Owners Manual for
sealed corectly. correct procedure for sealing strainer
lid correctly.
Pool water level too Fill Pool correct level.
low.
Pump Impeller Blocked Call an authorised service agent to
service pump.
Blockage in suction line

Air Leak in suction line

14 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

 TROUBLESHOOTING

Leaking From Filter Tank o-ring dirty Call an authorised service agent to
Tank Joint service pump.

o-ring incorrectly fitted

o-ring damaged
(pinched)

Clamp Band not

correctly fitted

Should problems persist, contact your nearest Pentair Water Service Agent.

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 15

NOTES

16 Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual

Pantera High-Rate Sand Filter Owner’s Manual 17
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