New Pool Installed Thursday - Some newbie questions

[Jacob99]

My pool was installed Thursday. I have about a foot of water in it now. Liner seems to be okay, no leaks anywhere, and I don't seem to be losing any water so I'll be getting 3 trucks to fill it up on Sunday. I haven't put the sand in my filter yet although all the connections are already in place. It's a 300# Hayward S244T:

Is the inside spider tube thing suppose to attach (or "clip in" if you will) somewhere or is it just a balancing act while placing the sand inside?

The filter base has a drain, should I face that drain facing out away from the pool, or does it matter? Is the drain just for the winter?

This one might be a really dumb question, but do I need to backwash as soon as I start the pump and filter up, or is it ready to filter from the start?

I guess I'm just nervous about flipping that switch for the very first time....

[BigDave]

Is the inside spider tube thing suppose to attach (or "clip in" if you will) somewhere or is it just a balancing act while placing the sand inside?

The long tube with the radial arms (laterals) in my filter (Hayward S270T) just kind of sits on the bottom. Try to center the top of the large tube in the top of the filter and be sure the laterals are attached and extended. My filter came with a carboard "sand shield" that folds into a sort of "A" shape with wings that helps hold the large tube in place and also helps to keep the sand out. I also covered the top of the large tube with a couple layers of cling wrap held on with a rubber band under the "sand shield". Also fill the filter about 1/2 full of water before putting sand in.

The filter base has a drain, should I face that drain facing out away from the pool, or does it matter? Is the drain just for the winter?

Position it where it will be convenient to get to it when you drain the filter and where what drains out will go where you want. Be sure the strainer is in it and the cap on before filling the filter with water and sand.

... do I need to backwash as soon as I start the pump and filter up ...

Yep, start in backwash to get the dust out of the sand and not in your pool. Remember, you can't do this 'till the pool is full to half way up the strainer.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm totally happy to answer your questions as are many here but in case you didn't get one, here's the manual http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/Manual145.pdf.

Goog Luck! Keep us posted!

[Jacob99]

Thanks. I appreciate it. Should I add some DE to it from the start or wait until I know what my normal pressure is?

[Watermom]

No, I wouldn't add DE yet. Just get to know your equipment first and learn what 'normal' readings are for now.

[Jacob99]

So just filled the pool (it's about 1/4 way up the skimmer now)...I'm getting a steady drip out of my sand filter. I checked to make sure the strainer was in and the drain plug is tight. I don't know if I should tighten it some more....don't want to over tighten it. I haven't turned anything on yet as I still need 2-3 more inches of water. Should I overtighten it, or are drips normal the first time you get water in there?

[BigDave]

The drip is from the drain cap? Is yours the black star shaped cap with a red ruber seal inside? I had a drip from that too. I had to get it very tight to stop the drip - hand tight but I had to work at it.

[sunlove]

Where's it dripping from? Did you tighten the drain cap before you put the sand in or after...you might be in for a little more work than you wanted

[Jacob99]

After. It was already on while I was putting the sand in, but I tightened after. I gave it a couple more hand turns and it seems to have stopped.