Installation of your OrcaFilter in the Pump

If you are looking for cleaning instructions, please click here.  

For a PDF of all instructions, click here.

Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel on installing your filter into the Summer Escapes SFS 1000 Filter Pump and for other tips and How-To's.

Your OrcaFilter comes ready to use out of the box. 

When the filter goes into the pump there is a raised inlet/outlet fitting on the top and bottom of the pump that mates with the hole in the filter end cap. The gaskets go around these sections on top and bottom.  

You will also notice that some pumps may have a raised sealing lip which is used to create a seal the against the gasket in the pump. The gaskets are provided to help create this seal and also accommodate the slight variations in pump house dimensions.  Depending on the exact dimensions of your pump (and also wear), you may need to use anywhere from 1, 2 or even 3 gaskets.  You should start with the 2 gaskets that came with your unit (one on top and one on the bottom) and then hand tighten the pump housing lid.  You should only hand-tighten the lid and only enough to stop the water from leaking out.  Don't over-tighten!  

If you need more gaskets, let us know and also the make and model of your pump.  We will be happy to send you another one or 2 and we like to keep track of pumps that are slightly different in size.

Step 1:

Open the pump housing of your existing pump and remove your old filter from its housing. Be sure keep all sealing rings, particularly around the top of the filter housing. 

 

Step 2:

Verify to see if you need the gaskets. You may need none, one, or both of the gaskets. The easy way to see is to measure your existing filter against your new OrcaFilter. You may need one on the bottom inside the pump housing and one on the top. The Orca filter with a gasket on the top and bottom should come up to the same height as the existing filter.

 

Step 3:

Install your new Orca Filter. When you place the filter in the pump housing you may need one gasket on the top and one on the bottom, but again, your unit may be slightly different. The end cap of the Orca Filter is manufactured in such a way that even without the gaskets it should seal against most filter housings and perform well.

Step 4:

 Replace the filter housing cover and hand-tighten. Don’t over-tighten. The housing cover should be able to be screwed on and off just using your hands. Don’t use tools.

Once you have the filter installed, start the pump and check for leaks. If you do have some leaks around the filter housing cover, you can tighten it a little to see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, the gaskets may not be seated correctly in the top or bottom of the housing. Check the seating first and if they appear OK, also check to see if the gaskets are making the filter assembly too tall for the filter housing. You may need to remove one of the gaskets.

Once you have corrected this, re-attach the filter housing cover and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, congratulations! If there are still leaks then we have some other issues and you may need to place your old filter back in and get in touch with us.

Step 5:

Sit back and relax. You’ve made a wise investment and helped protect the Earth. Start saving money and feel good about your contribution to the planet!