pool newbie with new sand filter questtions

[rnjng]

Just purchased a new hayward 256t 250# sand filter. 1st ques. The old filter had 1 1/4" fittings and hoses. the new filter has 1 1/2" hoses and fittings. Do I need to chage all fittings and hoses to 1 1/2" so they are all uniform? Next ques. is the valve clamp on the filter supposed to be completely clamped together when you tighten the screws, or can you leave alittle gap. I'm nervous on closing the gap, that is how the old filter clamp broke.

[rnjng]

Just wondering if anyone has any input on this situation.

[sevver]

What do you mean? The stainless steel hose clamp? This does not have to be completely together at all, just tighten it until it feels tight, generally it will start to want to twist rather than tighten, stop at that point.

[drumr]

rnjng,
you can change your hoses to 1 1/2" if you want too which would probably be the best thing to do to get the most flow with the least amount of resistance. Or you can get step down adapters from your local hardware store that step down from 1 1/2" to 1 1/4" and use the same hoses you already have. I don't know if it would make that big of a difference. Either way I believe you will be fine.

As far as the valve clamp goes, just make sure when you get the clamp snug that you tighten each side a little at a time alternating between the 2 screws, you can probably leave a little gap between the clamps, if it leaks you can always tighten a little bit more until it doesn't leak any more.

[sevver]

The light went on, I know what clamp he is talking about now. lol. Yes, do that, alternate until it is snug, there is an oring there that makes the seal right, all the clamp does it tell it to stay put.

[rnjng]

SWEET!!! THNKS! One more thing, Like I said this is a new filter, do I let the pump fill the filter qith water, or do I need to fill the filter with water befor I put the valve on?