Product Overview

The Pentair FNS® Plus 60 Sq. Ft. D.E. Filter (EC-180009) is a high-capacity vertical-grid filtration system designed to provide exceptional water clarity for large residential swimming pools and pool-and-spa combinations. Its 60 square feet of effective filtration area supports a maximum rated flow of 120 GPM.

The FNS Plus uses diatomaceous earth-coated grids to capture extremely fine dirt, algae and suspended debris. Pentair states that D.E. filtration can capture particles as small as approximately 5 microns, helping produce polished, sparkling pool water.

Curved vertical grids maximize the available filtration area, while the internal flow design helps reduce hydraulic restriction and pumping demand. The fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank provides chemical resistance, structural strength and dependable outdoor performance.

The EC-180009 is Pentair’s e-commerce version of the FNSP60. The complete internal grid assembly is included; however, a compatible backwash valve and D.E. filter media are sold separately.

Key Features

• 60 sq. ft. effective filtration area
• Maximum rated flow of 120 GPM
• Vertical-grid D.E. filtration
• Filters particles as small as approximately 5 microns
• Complete internal grid assembly included
• Seven full-size grids and one partial grid
• Curved grids maximize usable filtration area
• Top-to-bottom backwashing
• Easily removable grid pack
• Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank
• Chemical- and corrosion-resistant construction
• High Flow™ manual air-relief valve
• Continuous internal air-relief system
• Conveniently positioned drain
• 2-inch plumbing connections
• Maximum continuous operating pressure of 50 PSI
• Maximum internal water temperature of 104°F
• E-commerce-designated model

Pentair designed the FNS Plus with curved grids, a removable grid pack, top-to-bottom backwashing and an internal configuration that minimizes flow restriction.

Specifications

Pentair’s published specifications list the FNSP60 with a 60 sq. ft. filter area, 120 GPM flow rate, 21.5-inch diameter, 86-inch servicing clearance and turnover capacities of 57,600, 72,000 and 86,400 gallons over eight, ten and twelve hours.

D.E. Media Requirement

The FNSP60 requires approximately 6 pounds of swimming-pool-grade diatomaceous earth to coat a clean grid assembly.

D.E. powder is normally introduced through the pool skimmer after the circulation system has been started and trapped air has been safely released. The correct amount of media must be added after manual grid cleaning.

Following backwashing, use the recharge quantity specified in the current Pentair installation manual. Never operate the filter for an extended period without properly coating the grids.

Use only D.E. media approved for swimming-pool filtration. Follow the media manufacturer’s handling instructions and avoid inhaling dry powder.

Grid Assembly

The FNSP60 uses a removable vertical-grid assembly consisting of:

• Seven full-size 30-inch grids
• One partial 30-inch grid
• Top manifold with air bleed
• Internal air-bleed assembly
• Grid locator
• Tie rod and retaining hardware
• Outlet standpipe

Replacement components include:

Pentair’s replacement-parts documentation identifies 59023300 as the complete FNSP60 grid assembly and specifies seven full grids plus one partial grid.

Ideal For

• Large residential in-ground swimming pools
• Pool-and-spa combinations
• High-capacity filtration systems
• New pool construction
• Equipment-pad renovations
• Pools affected by fine dust, pollen or algae
• Applications requiring exceptionally clear water
• Systems operating at flow rates up to 120 GPM
• Pool owners who prefer D.E. filtration performance

Benefits

• Captures finer particles than typical sand filtration
• Helps produce exceptionally clear, polished pool water
• Large 60 sq. ft. grid area provides high dirt-holding capacity
• Supports longer operating periods between cleanings
• Curved grids maximize filtration surface
• Internal design helps reduce hydraulic restriction
• Removable grid pack simplifies deep cleaning
• Durable tank resists pool chemicals and corrosion
• Top-to-bottom backwashing helps remove accumulated debris
• High Flow air relief supports efficient operation
• Compatible with properly matched slide or multiport valves

What’s Included

• Pentair FNS Plus FNSP60 filter tank
• Complete 60 sq. ft. internal grid assembly
• Seven full-size grids
• One partial grid
• Top manifold
• Internal air-bleed assembly
• Grid locator and retaining components
• Tank clamp assembly
• High Flow™ manual air-relief valve
• Pressure gauge
• Drain plug
• Installation and operating documentation

The backwash valve, D.E. powder, plumbing unions, pipe, fittings and installation materials are not included unless specifically stated by the seller.

Valve Compatibility

The EC-180009 requires a compatible valve to control normal filtration and backwashing. Depending on the equipment-pad configuration, the filter may be installed with:

• Compatible Pentair slide valve
• Compatible Pentair multiport valve
• Properly matched 2-inch D.E. backwash valve
• D.E. separation tank where required by local regulations

Confirm the valve type, plumbing size and filter-port spacing before ordering. A valve designed for a sand filter must not be assumed compatible with a D.E. filter.

Filter Maintenance

Backwash the filter when pressure rises above the recorded clean starting pressure or when circulation becomes noticeably reduced. Fresh D.E. must be added after backwashing to recoat the grid surfaces.

Remove and manually clean the complete grid assembly when:

• Pressure remains elevated after backwashing
• Normal circulation is not restored
• The filter is being winterized
• The grids have heavy scale or oil accumulation
• The pool has experienced a significant algae outbreak
• D.E. powder is returning to the pool

Inspect the grids for torn fabric, separated seams, damaged frames or cracked manifold components during every manual cleaning.

Installation Requirements

Install the filter on a solid, level equipment pad with sufficient space for plumbing, valve operation and future servicing. Approximately 86 inches of total vertical clearance is required to remove the upper tank section and grid assembly.

The circulation system must be designed so that water flow does not exceed 120 GPM or the rating of the lowest-rated installed component.

Plumbing must be mechanically supported so pipe weight does not place stress on the filter or valve. A properly sized backwash waste line or D.E. separation tank must be installed according to local requirements.

Trapped air inside a pressurized filter can cause the tank lid to separate with extreme force. Before servicing:

1. Shut off electrical power to the pump.
2. Prevent automatic pump restart.
3. Open the manual air-relief valve.
4. Confirm the pressure gauge reads zero.
5. Wait until all pressure and trapped air have been released.

Pentair requires installation by a qualified professional and emphasizes that trapped air in a pressurized filtration system can create a severe safety hazard.

Confirm Before Ordering

Please verify:

• The required model is FNS Plus FNSP60
• The correct SKU is EC-180009
• A 60 sq. ft. D.E. filter is appropriate for the pool
• System flow does not exceed 120 GPM
• Approximately 86 inches of vertical clearance is available
• The equipment pad can accommodate a filter approximately 21.5 inches in diameter
• Existing plumbing is compatible with 2-inch connections
• A compatible D.E. backwash valve is installed or will be purchased separately
• Approximately 6 lbs. of pool-grade D.E. is available for the initial charge
• Local regulations permit D.E. discharge or require a separation tank
• The valve and D.E. media are not expected to be included
• The complete internal grid assembly is included

Warranty Information

The EC-180009 is designated by Pentair for e-commerce sales. Warranty coverage is subject to Pentair’s current limited-warranty terms, authorized sales requirements and installation conditions.

Professional installation by a qualified pool professional is strongly recommended. Improper installation, operating the filter without the required D.E. coating, excessive system pressure, freeze damage, chemical misuse or failure to follow Pentair’s maintenance procedures may affect warranty eligibility.