Mer - Made Filter

Collection: Mer - Made Filter

5 products

Mer-Made Filter

Service and maintain Mer-Made pool filtration equipment with genuine Mer-Made replacement parts for fiberglass strainer systems. PST Pool Supplies stocks hand knobs, O-rings, strainer baskets, and lids for Mer-Made C10X and other fiberglass pool strainer models — starting from $31.80.

Mer-Made Filter produces fiberglass pool strainers and suction systems used in commercial and residential inground pool installations — known for their durability and corrosion resistance compared to plastic strainer alternatives. The fiberglass construction withstands the chemical exposure and UV degradation that degrade standard plastic strainers over time, making Mer-Made units a long-service-life choice for commercial pool environments. The replacement parts in this collection: the Mer-Made C10X O-Ring is the sealing ring for the Mer-Made C10X strainer lid — this O-ring must be replaced whenever the lid is removed for basket service or whenever the strainer develops a leak at the lid joint. The O-ring seals the pressurized lid to the strainer housing; a worn or damaged O-ring allows air to be drawn into the suction line, reducing pump performance and potentially losing prime. The Mer-Made hand knob (for 4\", 6\", and 8\" fiberglass strainers) is the replacement tightening knob on the strainer lid — the knob allows tool-free lid removal for basket cleaning. Knobs become cracked or stripped from UV exposure and over-tightening; a failed knob makes basket access difficult without tools. The Mer-Made C10X strainer basket is the debris-catching basket inside the strainer housing — baskets crack, warp, or lose their screen material with age and must be replaced to maintain proper debris capture. The Mer-Made lids (6\" and 8\" sizes) provide the complete lid assembly replacement when the lid itself is cracked or the O-ring groove is damaged beyond resealing.

When servicing a Mer-Made strainer, always replace the O-ring during reassembly — reusing a compressed O-ring invites air leaks. Apply a thin coat of silicone lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the new O-ring before seating to ensure even compression and prevent tearing during lid installation. Hand-tighten the lid knob only — overtightening cracks the knob and can damage the O-ring groove.

Shop Mer-Made filter parts at PST Pool Supplies and keep your Mer-Made strainer system performing at full efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mer-Made fiberglass pool strainer and how does it differ from a standard pump strainer basket?
A Mer-Made fiberglass strainer is a dedicated inline suction strainer installed in the pool suction line upstream of the pump — it catches debris before it reaches the pump impeller and wet end, protecting the pump from damage. It differs from the pump's built-in strainer basket in several ways: (1) Location — a Mer-Made strainer installs in the suction plumbing between the pool and the pump, often near the pool equipment pad. The pump's own strainer basket is inside the pump housing at the pump itself. (2) Capacity — Mer-Made strainers are larger-volume than built-in pump baskets, holding more debris between cleaning intervals. (3) Construction — fiberglass construction resists UV degradation, chemical attack, and physical impact better than the ABS plastic used in most pump strainer lids and baskets. This makes them preferred for commercial pools or installations in aggressive climates. (4) Accessibility — Mer-Made strainers are designed for frequent basket service with tool-free lid removal via the hand knob. They are used in commercial aquatic facilities, water parks, and high-use residential pools where pump protection and easy maintenance access are priorities.
How do I replace the O-ring on a Mer-Made C10X strainer?
The C10X O-ring replacement is the most common Mer-Made maintenance task: (1) Turn off the pump and close the suction valves to isolate the strainer. (2) Release pressure — open the strainer lid slowly (counterclockwise on the hand knob) to allow any residual pressure to bleed off before fully removing the lid. (3) Remove the lid and basket — lift out the strainer basket and empty it of debris. (4) Remove the old O-ring from the lid's O-ring groove — use a blunt plastic tool (not a metal screwdriver) to avoid scratching the groove sealing surface. (5) Clean the O-ring groove — remove any scale, debris, or O-ring fragments from the groove. A scratched or dirty groove will cause the new O-ring to leak. (6) Lubricate the new O-ring — apply a thin, even coat of silicone-based O-ring lubricant (Magic Lube or equivalent). Do not use petroleum-based lubricants — they degrade Buna-N rubber. (7) Seat the new O-ring in the groove — work around the perimeter ensuring the ring lies flat without twists or high spots. (8) Reinstall the lid — hand-tighten only. The knob should compress the O-ring sufficiently without tools. (9) Open valves and restart pump — check for air bubbles in the pump strainer window (indicates a suction leak at the O-ring).
How often should I clean the Mer-Made strainer basket?
Clean the Mer-Made strainer basket whenever the basket is more than one-third full of debris — do not wait until it is completely full. A full basket significantly restricts suction flow, reducing pump performance and potentially starving the pump of water (causing it to lose prime or run dry). For most residential pools in normal conditions, basket inspection and cleaning every 1–2 weeks during the swimming season is sufficient. Increase cleaning frequency when: (1) Heavy tree debris — leaves, seed pods, and pine needles fill the basket rapidly after storms or wind events. (2) Pool construction or renovation nearby — dust, sand, and debris from nearby work enters the water in large quantities. (3) Algae treatment — dead algae after a shock treatment can clog the basket quickly. (4) High bather load — sunscreen, hair, and body oils can mat together in the basket. The advantage of the Mer-Made fiberglass strainer's larger capacity is extended cleaning intervals compared to the pump's smaller built-in basket — but this only benefits you if the basket is actually checked and emptied on schedule.
What size lid and basket do I need for my Mer-Made strainer?
Mer-Made fiberglass strainers come in 4", 6", and 8" housing sizes — the size refers to the strainer's internal basket diameter and the corresponding lid size. To identify your size: (1) Measure the existing lid — measure the outside diameter of the lid at its widest point. (2) Check the strainer body — the model designation is typically molded into the fiberglass housing; the C10X designation indicates the 10" capacity 6" lid model. (3) Match the replacement exactly — a 6" lid will not fit an 8" housing and vice versa; the C10X strainer basket will only fit the C10X housing. The hand knob replacement covers all three sizes (4"/6"/8") — the knob thread is standardized across the fiberglass strainer line. The C10X O-ring ($35.60) is specific to the C10X lid diameter — confirm the model before ordering. If the model is unclear, measure the O-ring groove inner diameter on the existing lid and order the O-ring that matches those dimensions. Mer-Made parts are engineered specifically for Mer-Made housings — generic O-rings with matching dimensions may work but OEM parts ensure correct durometer (hardness) and material specification.