question about Jacuzzi filter...

[dbldee20]

 I'm using a Nature2 system which is attached to the removable, threaded filter lid/handle. (The Nature2 cartridge clips in place under the removable filter lid/handle so it's hanging in the center the paper filter) Is it ok to remove the molded foam ball at the top, inside of the filter compartment cover? If I leave the foam piece on the cover won't stay closed. It seems like  the threaded,  filter lid/handle is basically serving the same purpose as the foam piece by directing the water flow down the sides and thru the filter rather than thru the opening at the top of the filter. I know, kinda confusing...

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 Not sure what you are asking?  The foam ball keeps the skimmer floating, so it needs to be there.  As long as the nat 2 is in the water it's doing what it should be.   

[dbldee20]

The paper filter cartridge and chamber has a plastic sleeve (filter bucket) that slides down over the filter and clips in place. At the top of this plastic sleeve there is a foam ball mounted to it that is supposed to direct the water down thru the sides of the filter instead of thru the top (maybe that's not what it's for?). The paper filters I'm using have a raised handle/lid on it which is removable in the center of the filter. The filter cartridge has a integrated chemical dispenser which mounts to the underside of the removable handle/lid. If I leave the lid/handle in place I can't use the foam ball thing because it won't allow the filter bucket to close properly. But with the lid/handle left in place the water is forced to enter the filter thru the sides anyhow. Maybe I don't understand the purpose of the foam ball thing. I thought it presses firmly against the top of the filter, with the lid/handle removed, so the water can't pass thru the open top of the filter and goes thru the sides instead.  Sorry for the long post and confusion. Maybe I could take out the lid/handle and just mount the chemical dispenser to a wire tie or something

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  The foam ball is suppose to be there, all it does is keep the skimmer floating so it pulls water off of the surface and down through the filter.   It doesn't clip into place, it's designed to float freely with the height of the water.   And you also want to keep the filter caps on. Nat 2 on circ pump side (Skimmer side) and if you are using bromine you can mount it on the lid side.    Is this a new spa or did you get it used?  If new your dealer should have explained all this to you.

[dbldee20]

Sorry I should have mentioned I bought it used and am still trying to figure out operation etc. It's a 2006 j460. The foam ball actually mounts to the filter bucket underneath the top of it. there's a hole cut in the top of the foam ball and you slide it onto the underside of the filter bucket. I think  I'm using the correct filter, but if the cap/handle is left on the filter cartridge there is not enough clearance to fit the foam ball/skimmer so that the filter bucket/sleeve can clip in place. Unless I'm missing some piece, there appears to be no "floating part" the ball is mounted to the filter bucket or sleeve. the spa didn't have a filter cartridge in it when I bought it used so some pieces could be missing

it looks like this.....   http://jacuzzicare.com/jacuzzi/jacuzzi-skimmer-parts/j-400-skimmer-float.html


The foam ball has some sort of rubber coating on it which is coming off and shredding so I need a new one anyhow if I'm going to use it.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  I know what all the parts are. That whole skimmer with the ball is suppose to slide over the filter.  If it doesn't it sounds like your filter is too tall?    Does the filter stick out of the hole it slides into?  If it does it's the wrong filter.  The filter should be recessed in that compartment about 2 or 3" down inside there. Then the skimmer slides over the filter and floats.   If that ball is starting to shred you do need to get a new one or all that stuff will become a major mess.     If you still have questions post a pic of your set up with the filter.  It sounds to me like your filter is the wrong one.

[dbldee20]

Well as far as I can tell it's the right filter, but I'm not positive. It's 13.5" tall and when I try to find it online that's the size recommended for my spa. the filter threads onto the base of the water inlet at the bottom of skimmer compartment.  The seller gave me the original sales receipt and it was sold new in Aug 2006. Maybe it was manufactured before 2006? Is there a definitive way to find the right filter? the top of the filter is 4" below the top of the skimmer compartment. the handle in the center of the filter sticks up a half inch or so

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  My home computer won't let me look at the pics,     it sounds like the right filter.  I don't know this isn't that difficult.   
 
"so that the filter bucket/sleeve can clip in place" 

    This statement makes no sense, there is nothing to clip that part into.   The thing just floats freely up and down over the filter.    I should be able to look at your pics on Tuesday till then I don't know, this is not making any sense? 

[dbldee20]

http://jacuzzicare.com/jacuzzi/j-400-series-skimmer.html

This part is what I'm calling the filter bucket. You press it down until it locks in place. There's a slight rim around it, underneath the slots  for water flow. The rim locks it in place and keeps it from floating upwards above the water level.

Maybe I'll try to call Jacuzzi and find out what the original filter and parts were. The seller said she hadn't used the spa for a while hadn't had a filter in it for months. So who knows if there are other parts missing

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  Dude for like the 3rd time now that part does not lock down IT FLOATS FREE WITH THE WATER LEVEL, IT BOBS UP AND DOWN AND SKIMS WATER OFF THE SURFACE DOWN THROUGH THE FILTER   If you don't understand it this time, I don't know what to tell you.   If your water level is too low then it wont float and you will probably get an air lock in the circ pump.    So one more time for you, it is suppose to just float with what the water level is you don't push it down.  Trust me on this been doing it awhile.    Good luck to you.

 

[dbldee20]

Settle down there big dawg. Is the rudeness really necessary?  Sorry, I didn't realize I was dealing with someone who designed my spa. Like I stated, this is my first spa and it wasn't new. It didn't come with a filter(also stated) and furthermore, the pic in the manual doesn't show it "floating." The tech who put in a flo switch for me even said it was set up correctly. It's not a stretch to assume it's supposed to lock down on under the rim, if you put a tiny bit of pressure on the filter bucket it locks down easily. When I picked it up that's how it was. Maybe I thought you just weren't familiar with an older Jacuzzi or you weren't clear on what I meant. My apologies for getting you all fired up. GFYS pal

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Who could imagine that someone named Jacuzzi Jim, with over 1500 posts, would have a clue, eh?

[Chas]

So - it floats then?

I'm getting it,

I think.

Did we help the OP yet?

 

[Jacuzzi Jim]

Who could imagine that someone named Jacuzzi Jim, with over 1500 posts, would have a clue, eh?

 Thanks Doc!   I went back for the 3rd or 4th time and re-read what he was asking, and what I replied.  Reminds me of my kids when I tell them to do something.  Guess thats what it takes sometimes.   A simple thank you would have been nice..  I can't wait for the chem questions to start!   

 Once again good luck to you dbldee20, glad I was able to help..

[Jacuzzi Jim]

So - it floats then?

I'm getting it,

I think.

Did we help the OP yet?

 

 Doubtfull!    I was ready to give him my phone number like I often do.  Now, not a chance!