New House, New Above-Ground Pool...No Clue!!!

[PoolDoc]

1. Cartridge filters can plug VERY quickly, when you are vacuuming live sludge -- I wouldn't do that!
2. Air can get in many ways, and it can be hard to find where. Check your vac hose for damage, but otherwise, let's leave that for later.
3. We can probably help with the valves . . . IF you send GOOD pictures to poolforum@gmail.com. I'll post them, and let folks go from there.
4. Meanwhile, use the leaf rake and keep the chlorine HIGH.

[PoolDoc]

Here are your pictures:

[PoolDoc]

Your valves are Valterra type slice valves:


When the handle is UP, they're open; when it's DOWN, they're closed. Do NOT close these valves suddenly, when the pump is on: you can break something! Also, they are not very good at throttling; they're either open or closed.

Checking on the Aqua Smarte; it appears to be an older version of the King Tech 'mineral pak' thing, where 'mineral' = copper. A manual for the current model is here:
http://www.kingtechnology.com/pdf/ma...al-English.pdf

This parts list may apply:
http://www.kingtechnology.com/pdf/parts/Parts-AG.pdf

I'd plan to replumb and remove that beast, when you get a chance -- it can definitely restrict flow.

Open it, and remove any cartridge inside and re-close it.

[conquer1]

Thanks for the explanation of the valves and for the manual!

As far as replumbing goes, would I just need to shut off the pump, close the valves and take out the Aqua Smarte? Then hook up the valve and outlet hose directly to the outlet of the filter?

If it can restrict flow, I want it gone as soon as possible.

I'm also planning to replace the cartridge filter with a sand one in a few weeks. Should I wait to remove the Aqua Smarte when I put in the sand filter?

[PoolDoc]

It looks like you have threaded connections. You'll probably need to disconnect the hoses, and pull them up above the water level. Then, you'll be able to work on the pipes without having water go everywhere.