How hard is it to take apart an EC65 to clean?

Well, I thought I resolved my increasing pressure issue today by hand vacuuming all the dirt on the bottom, then backwashing, using the Hayward wand to clean inside the filter as best as possible, then connecting everything. The pool is crystal clear and all readings are ideal.

The pressure started at 8psi, that was around noon. It has slowly increased over the day as I can see the returns are pushing out less and less. At 7PM the pressure reading is 18psi. The 3 returns are still pushing out water, but not nearly as strong as before. When I opened the little bleeder at the top no water or air came out.

I figured in order to rule out a filter clogging, I expect to take this puppy apart tomorrow. My question is other than the 15 bolts on the top, is there anything special I need to know? Are there any tricky procedures to put her all back? I would hate to be saying "I should have just left it alone" tomorrow night.

If this does not do it, the only other thing I can think of is a leaky basket cover. I just bumped the filter and when I plugged it back in there was a lot of air blowing out the returns. Just an idea.

Thanks all, my mind won't be at ease until this is resolved.

Isn't an EC 65 the perflex DE filter? If so, you need to dump the de and refill with fresh de.

Don't forget to mark the top in relation to the bottom so that all the pipes line up when you put it back together. I put a mark above the pressure gauge. I also take out the bump shaft and check / grease the o rings when I take mine apart. To do that tap out the roll pin holding the bump handle to the shaft using a pin punch.

Thanks. I bumped the filter at 7PM last night and it was at 8psi. I left it running all night and at 6AM this morning it was still 8psi, so it is holding now. If I notice another increase like this weekend, I am breaking it down.

That is a great idea about marking the top to the bottom. I could see myself putting everything together and having my return 180 degrees off. :)

I had a ec 65 for several years.
It's pretty easy to do.
Take all the nuts off( mark it as someone else said)
I bought some filter cleaner at lowes, for cartridge filters and de filters.
Just carefull when you lift lid off
Their are lots of tubes that filter the de.
I would rinse the tubes with a steady stream( dont use a power washer or you will trash the tubes)
Wash , then put some of that cleaner or you can use tide detergent and soak the tubes for about 2-3 hours, drink a couple of beers while waiting, then re rinse

When you put the screws and nuts back in just snug them dow, then alternate tighten one, skip one, and so on sort of like lug nuts on a car, don't overtighten them .

Then when you re earth you will use 6 scoops instead of five. I usually had to take my apart once during pool season.

I recommend the de scopp that pool stores sell made by hayward, they are a few bucks and worth every penny. so you can acurately add the earth. I got really screwed up with a coffe can and had problems with too little or not enough earth

Have fun, it's not to bad
Mike

That is perfect, thanks.

I have the Hayward scoop. I agree, the first year I used a coffee can, the scoop is much better.

So far so good, holding steady at about 7-8 psi and the flow at the returns is very strong.

At least now I know if I run into problems during the year the disassembly shouldn't be so bad per your directions above.

Now if the pool water would only get higher than 73 we could actually enjoy it. :)

I also highly recommend the Hayward "Jet Action Perflex DE Filter Cleaner Wand" - it is a long white wand that attaches to your hose, and lets you clean your filter fingers better during backwashes. I got mine last year for around $20 from my local pool store. You can then stick the hose into youre backwash valve (or into the pressure gauge hole if you remove the pressure gauge) while you are backwashing to clean out lots more gunk than otherwise. During a complete disassembly it washes out the fingers well, but without TOO much pressure (like from a pressure washer). As a matter of fact, I use that wand for lots of things around the house because it gives an awesome small single jet of higher pressure water spray.