Pool filter valves are another aspect of the pool equipment that are not always fully understood by pool operators.
Understanding your swimming pool filter valves is easy to learn and key to the successful operation of your filtration system.
Managing your swimming pool’s water circulation and filtration is controlled by setting your pool filter valves to the appropriate positions.
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Types of Pool Filter Valves
There are four different types of pool valves that manage the flow of water through the skimmer, pump, filter, heater and chlorinator.
Diverter Pool Valves
Diverter valves allow you to redirect water flow from one pipe to another.
A 2-way valve controls the flow of water from one inflow pipe to one outflow pipe. Turning the valve handle allows you to open, partially open or close the valve.
A 3-way valve controls the flow of water from two inflow pipes to one outflow pipe. This valve is typically connects the skimmer box and main drain inflows to the filter.
The valve adjusts to:
- Open the skimmer only to the filter
- Open the main drain only to the filter
- Operate both the skimmer and main drain to the filter
https://youtu.be/An3z4inGaxo
Check Valves
Water can flow backwards through the plumbing when the pump turns off.
A check valve is installed into a plumbing line to prevent water flowing backwards through the line. These valves often have a clear plastic top for viewing the water flow in the valve.
This valve commonly prevents water flowing backwards from a salt water chlorinator into a water heater or filter. Always install a chlorinator last after all the other pool equipment. The chlorinator generates free chlorine into the water which is diluted when pumped into the pool. The saltwater chlorinator water outlet flow must be directed into the swimming pool or spa pool. If the chlorinator water outlet flows backwards it may damage the water heater or filter.
Another common use is to control the level of water between a spa pool and swimming pool. Often the water level in the spa is higher than the pool water. Many spa pools have an overflow that flows over a wall into the swimming pool. A check valve is used to prevent the spa water draining through the plumbing into the pool to equalize the water levels.
Another use of a check valve is to prevent water draining from the pool pump when the pump is turned off. This helps to keep the pump primed with water and ready for operation.
Solar water heater panels that are installed on the roof must be continuously filled with water to function correctly and capture the heat of the sun. A check valve will prevent the panels draining of water when the pump is turned off.
Actuator Valves
Actuator valves are automatic diverter valves that are wired to a control box. A push of a button activates a valve to redirect the water flow. The valve controls a water feature or some other device.
Multiport Filter Valves
All sand and DE filters are installed with a multiport valve.
The multiport valve is located on the side or top of the filter tank. The valve allows you to direct the water flow forwards through the filter, backwards through the filter, bypass the filter, to the waste drain or close the flow. Pool water flows inwards through the pump port and exits through the port indicated by the valve position.
Cartridge filters do not have a multiport valve because you cannot backwash a cartridge filter. Remove a cartridge filter from the filter tank and hose it clean.
Please read our article on How to Use a Pool Filter Multiport Valve
How to Vacuum the Pool to Waste
When you vacuum a pool to waste you are bypassing the filter and emptying pool water into the drain. There is no point vacuuming a filthy pool through the filter as it will just clog up and require frequent cleaning. This will also reduce the life expectancy of the filter cartridge or sand filter.
When the bottom of the pool is dirty you are much better off to manually vacuum the pool to the drain. Do not use an automatic suction cleaner as it will take too long and pump too much water to waste. Remember when you vacuuming to waste you are lowering the pool water and flushing away your pool chemicals.
Set the Outlet Valve to Waste
- Turn off the pump.
- Turn the outlet valve at the pump to waste or drain so the vacuumed water does not pass through the filter. Remember to turn it back to filter when finished cleaning the pool.
- If you have more than one skimmer box close all lines except the one you are using.
- Close off your main drain, if applicable.
Setup the Cleaning Equipment
- Connect the pool vacuum head to the telescoping pole
- Attach the vacuum hose to the pool vacuum head
- Lower the pole and vacuum head to the bottom of the pool
- Place the vacuum plate into the skimmer box over the skimmer basket.
- Remove the air trapped in the vacuum hose. Push the hose under the water to expel all the air from the hose. Some people prefer to push the hose up to the outlet jet and let the water flow push out the air.
- Ensure the hose is completely full of water with no air pockets.
- Connect the hose to the vacuum plate in the skimmer box
Vacuum the Pool
- Turn on the pump motor
- Vacuum the pool by slowly moving the vacuum head over the bottom of the pool. Don’t move the vacuum head too fast. It will stir up the dirt on the bottom and you won’t be able to vacuum it. I recommend starting in the deep end and work your way into the shallow end. Finally vacuum the steps and work your way out of the pool.
- When finished vacuuming turn off the pump motor
- Remove the vacuum head, hose and skimmer vacuum plate. I recommend hosing the equipment with fresh water to remove the pool chemicals. This will make the equipment last longer.
- Set you pump filter back to automatic.
- Turn the outlet valve at the pump back to the filter position.
Top Up the Water Level
- Vacuuming to waste or drain will lower the water level in the pool. Place your garden hose in the pool and refill to the midway level of the skimmer box. You can place the hose in the pool before you start vacuuming to get a head start.
- After refilling the water run the pump to mix up and circulate the water. Saltwater is heavier than freshwater. When you add fresh water to a saltwater pool the freshwater sits on top of the saltwater and doesn’t mix. You need to run the pump for 20 minutes to mix up the water.
How to Set Pool Valves for an Automatic Cleaner
Types of Automatic Pool Cleaners
- Suction Cleaners. Water suction pressure from the pump motor drives these cleaners. The water pressure causes the cleaner to skip or crawl randomly around the pool surfaces while sucking up dirt and debris.
- Pressure Cleaners. Pressure pool cleaners also work off the pressure of the pump motor to move randomly around the pool. These cleaners push water, under pressure, through a filter bag. Many units have a booster pump for pressurized cleaning and filtering the water as they move around the pool.
- Robotic Pool Cleaners. These cleaners are a self-contained underwater vacuum cleaner just like a household vacuum cleaner. Plug the robotic cleaner into a power supply. The electric motor and electronic circuitry moves the cleaner around the bottom of the pool. This type of cleaner doesn’t require a vacuum hose and is simply placed in the pool and switched on. These cleaners have their own filter and debris storage container that requires emptying periodically. Robotic cleaners are the most expensive option to clean your pool.
Set Pool Filter Valves for an Automatic Cleaner
Suction and pressure cleaners operates at maximum efficiency when only the skimmer valve and cleaner valve (if you have one) are open. These cleaners require a reasonable amount of pressure to operate effectively. Close all other valves including the main drain.
When finished vacuuming don’t forget to reset the valves back to their normal operating positions.
Robotic cleaners operate independently from the pool pump and do not use the filtration system so you do not have to adjust any pool filter valves.
How to Replace Pool Filter Valves
Like all things mechanical eventually pool valves wear out and require replacement. Pool valve technology has improved over the years and if you have an old filtration system that you are upgrading don’t forget to replace the valves.
Any competent home handyman can easily replace the valves in a pool filtration system. If your diverter valves have unions you can replace the valve without having to cut the pipes. Otherwise, cutting the pipes and replacing the valve is only slightly more work.
Conclusion
All pool operators must learn about their swimming pool filter valves. Understanding your swimming pool filter valves is easy to learn and key to the successful operation of your filtration system. When you need to manually vacuum or empty the pool knowing about the pool valves makes the job easy. If you are a competent home handyman you can easily replace worn out valves to save money.
Check out our other posts on this site to help you better manage your pool maintenance and reduce the time and effort to operate your pool. After all, you want to spend more time in your pool rather than maintaining it.