How To Manually Clean A Hayward ProGrid DE Filter: Full Disassembly Guide

Tools And Supplies Needed

• 3/4" socket and torque wrench (required for clamp reassembly)
• Garden hose with adjustable nozzle (strong stream setting)
• Soft-bristle brush (optional but helpful for stubborn fouling)
• Plastic trash can or large tub for chemical soak (if needed)
• DE filter cleaner or dilute muriatic acid (if chemical soak is needed)
• Jack's Formula 327 Multilube (for outlet elbow O-rings)
• DEX2422Z2 metal-reinforced seal (have one on hand if the current one is over 3–5 years old)
• Replacement drain plug O-ring if suspected

Phase 1: Backwash Before Opening

The manual is explicit: backwash before manually cleaning. This step removes the bulk of the accumulated DE and dirt before you open the tank, making cluster removal cleaner and easier. Follow the full backwash procedure for your valve type — see the backwash guide for step-by-step instructions.

Phase 2: Filter Disassembly

1. Turn off all system circulation pumps and all electrical power at the pad.
2. Close all system valves to prevent water from flowing to the filter.
3. Place the manual air relief valve in the OPEN position to depressurize the filter body.
4. Remove the drain plug (SP1022C) at the bottom of the lower filter body and allow water to drain. Leave the drain plug out and the air relief open during this process.
5. Using two 3/4" wrenches, loosen and remove the clamp nut and clamp bolt (DEX2421J2).
6. Grip both ends of the clamp and carefully spread the ends apart. Lift the clamp up and over the upper filter body. Set it aside carefully — do not drop or strike the clamp with metal tools.
7. Lift off the upper filter body. Do not use the pressure gauge as a handle.

Phase 3: Initial Cluster Cleaning In Place

Before removing the element cluster, hose it down in place with a strong stream from a garden hose. Direct water at the cluster from the top and sides. The drain plug is already out, so dirty DE-laden water will flush out the drain opening. This initial flush removes most of the remaining DE and makes the cluster much easier to handle.

Hayward recommends the Hayward cleaning wand (EC2024) for this step, which provides a directed high-pressure stream suitable for filter elements. Do not use a pressure washer.

Phase 4: Removing The Element Cluster

Rock the element cluster assembly gently from side to side to free the top collector manifold from the outlet elbow. The cluster can then be lifted straight up using the lift handles on the cluster assembly. Set it on a clean surface or on a tarp.

Phase 5: Cleaning The Element Cluster

Standard hose-down cleaning

Clean the cluster by washing inside and outside with a garden hose. After hosing, carefully brush the surface of each grid element with a soft brush to remove fine particles. Work around each element methodically. Do not pressure wash.

After brushing and rinsing, hold each element up to light and inspect for tears, worn spots, or holes. Any compromised element should be replaced before reassembly. See the grid replacement guide for inspection criteria and part numbers.

Chemical soak for oils and organics (when standard cleaning is not enough)

If the grid cloth is gray, greasy, or smells musty after hosing, it needs a chemical soak:

1. Fill a plastic trash can or large tub with water.
2. Add DE filter cleaner per the product label dilution rate.
3. Submerge the element cluster and soak for 8–12 hours or overnight.
4. Remove and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
5. Brush the elements again after soaking and rinse a second time.

Acid soak for mineral scale (tech-level)

If grids have gritty white deposits that do not respond to filter cleaner:

1. In a plastic container (never metal), mix 1 part muriatic acid to 20 parts water. Always add acid to water.
2. Soak the cluster for 15–30 minutes, watching for fizzing. Remove when fizzing stops or slows significantly.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water.
4. Neutralize the waste soak water with baking soda before disposal.

Phase 6: Cleaning The Filter Tank Interior

While the cluster is out, hose down the inside of the lower filter body to remove any remaining DE or debris. Inspect the outlet elbow O-ring (DEX2400Z5) inside the tank. Replace if cracked or deformed. Wipe the seal surface on the tank rim with a clean dry cloth — no solvents.

Phase 7: Reassembly

1. Lubricate the outlet elbow O-rings with Jack's Formula 327 Multilube.
2. Replace the element cluster into the filter tank, carefully fitting the top collector manifold outlet over the outlet elbow O-ring. Press down until it seats fully.
3. Wipe the upper and lower filter body seal surfaces clean and dry.
4. Place the metal-reinforced seal (DEX2422Z2) on the lower filter body rim. Do NOT lubricate this seal.
5. Place the upper filter body on the seal and lower body so all safety and operation labels are clearly visible. Press down firmly and evenly.
6. Position the clamp around both body halves with the clamp ends adjacent to the safety labels.
7. Insert the clamp bolt through the clamp ends. Thread the nut with the rounded end facing the clamp ends.
8. Using a 3/4" socket on a torque wrench, torque the clamp nut to exactly 150 inch-lbs. Do not hand-tighten and walk away — this torque spec is a safety requirement.
9. Reinstall the drain plug.
10. Follow the System Start-Up procedure: open all system valves, place the MAR in OPEN position, start the pump (do not stand near or over the filter), close MAR only when a steady stream of water (not air) discharges.
11. Add the correct DE charge for your model through the skimmer. Record the clean pressure reading.