There are three major types of pool filtering system: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Sand and DE filters use a multiport valve primarily to help clean or backflush the filter media. Cartridge filters do not have multiport valves. These filters are cleaned by removing the cartridge and spraying it with a garden hose. A typical multiport valve has 7 settings: filter, backwash, rinse, waste, closed, recirculate, and winter. This guide explains the function of these setting and shows how they circulate water in a typical sand filter. The operation of a DE multiport valve is very similar.
Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Parts
Click Here to View All Multiport Valves
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/23/2015
recirculate - No, the pool would not drain. In recirculate mode the filter is bypassed so you have a straighter line between the pool to pump ports and the pool return ports. Water may move a little when the pump is shut off but it would go back into the pool.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/22/2015
If I set my filter to recirculate and the filter timer shuts off the system will it drain the pool?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2015
backwash failure - Check your spider gasket to make sure it is not damaged. Remember to shut your pump off when you move the MPV handle to switch modes, and always push the handle all the way down when you move it. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve" for more information.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2015
Stan - The MPV is part of the DE filter. If you are suggesting leaving the DE filter in place and placing a new cartridge filter next to it, I don't see why I think you are saying will not work. With the MPV in "Waste" mode, you would be bypassing the DE filter and going straight into the new cartridge filter. Kind of jerry rigged but I don't see why it wouldn't work.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/19/2015
Replaced the multiport valve unit, but now the water doesn't leave the pool during backwash cycle. After running I got the backwash cycle for a few minutes,a suction forms in the incoming line forcing a collapse in the return lineReply
Stan Posted: 6/19/2015
I want to swap my hayward pro grid de with a cartridge filter. It looks like the inlet outlet ports are reversed on the cartridge filter compared to the de. Can I simply connect the new cartridge filter c4030 to the multiport (seems easiest because it's a straight matchup) and simply relate the backwash position as the filter position and be sure to never use the original filter position since that is now backwash?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/31/2015
prime and backwash - Sounds like you may have two problems. Losing prime is a suction side problem - before the or in the pump. You probably have a suction leak in the connections between the pool and the inlet port to the pump. See our guide on "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks". Also check an see if you have debris clogging your pump's impeller. See our guide on "How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller". The backwash issue is on the discharge side of the pump and is most likely a damaged spider gasket that needs to be replaced. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve" for instructions on replacing the gasket.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/30/2015
I replaced the sand in my filter but I can't get the pool to hold the prime. I noticed that when I move to recirculate some water comes comes out through the backwash tube. Are these 2 issues related and how do I fix it?Julie
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/17/2015
angie - The only thing I can think of is the unions may have been over-tightened. Please call Hayward at 866-772-2100. They may have other ideas.Reply
angie Posted: 5/15/2015
I have received two Hayward SP0715X62 Pro-Series Vari-Flo Control Valve with Gauge and they have both developed hairline cracks around the pump and return ports within 2 days of installation. They are two different valves and both brand new. We installed them according to specs but still have this problem...please advise.Reply
Lou Posted: 5/8/2015
I thought of that so I emailed Hayward customer service. He told me the same thing. The ports are reversed so he sent me a label to put on the new assembly to align with the ports for a DE filter application. I took a closer look at the old assembly for the DE filter. It is very worn and I wonder how it lasted this long. Hopefully with the new assembly, the handle will turn much easier. It never turned easy and I thought this was normal not having any experience with pools before. I guess you live and learn.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/7/2015
Lou - DE Multiport valves are sometimes different from sand Multiport valves. There ports are reversed. You would be safe using this assembly for the sand filter MPV.Reply
Lou Posted: 5/6/2015
Thank you for the information on replacing the spring and bearing. I decided after reading the instructions on how to do this not to attempt the repair. The valve is at least 13 years old and I'm sure other things will need replacing (I'm not the original owner of this). Instead I decided to order a new handle and cover assembly. The only other question I have is what is the difference between this part for a DE filter vs. a sand filter?Thank you for your help.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/6/2015
Lou - Sounds like the non-metallic bearing is your problem. If it is broken, it will interfere with the rotation of the handle. See our guide on "How To Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spring" for information on how to get to that bearing.Reply
Lou Posted: 5/5/2015
The handle has always been hard to turn and makes creaking noises when it is moved. With the replacement of the spider gasket it got worse. When I push it down all the way there is still rubbing and very hard to turn. It looks like the non-metallic bearing is broken in the middle and not providing the pivot action needed. This being the case, should I replace the bearing since a new one came with the rebuild kit. Or buy a new assembly which has the handle, bearing, cover plate, spring, and cone? This would be SPX0715BA3.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/5/2015
Lou - There shouldn't be any contact between the spider gasket and the valve housing when you rotate the valve handle. Are you pushing the handle down all the way when you rotate the valve? Is there something preventing you from pushing the handle down all the way?Reply
Lou Posted: 5/5/2015
This is a follow up from my previous post of 4/23.I replaced the spider gasket and the cover gasket. The old spider gasket has worn down ridges due to the abrasive action of the DE. I super glued the new one in as you said and then put it back together. I noticed now that the handle is hard to move beyond say 180 degrees to the other functions. I took it apart and the gasket is still in place and not damaged. Should I lube the top of the spider gasket with o-ring lube now? Or just work it in?
Thanks,
Lou
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/5/2015
Ruetsca - WINTER mode allows water to drain from the lines so it doesn't freeze in the winter. Try putting the valve in CLOSED mode. It effectively shuts off the valve.Reply
Ruetsca Posted: 5/3/2015
I have a Hayward Vari-Flo XL Valve, which is above grade. What position should it be in when I am filling the pool for season (using a hose). I just bought the house, and it was still in "winter" mode. I seem to be losing a lot of water? Any suggestions?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 4/25/2015
Lou - The industry has evolved from not gluing the spider gasket to only selling the gasket integrated with the diffuser in some cases. The popular Hayward SP714T valve, for example, only sells the Key/seal Assembly - Diffuser with the gasket glued in. If you have that valve, you don't have to worry about gluing the gasket in. It just costs more to buy the assembly. Otherwise, I would go with gluing the gasket in at the spoke tips. It will be easier to remove if you have to replace it again later. Two tips: the rounded side of the gasket goes up, and after the gasket is replaced, remember to turn off the pump each time you change the valve position.Reply
Lou Posted: 4/23/2015
Thank you for suggesting that I replace the spider gasket. I've watched several UTube videos and read procedures written by many people on how to change this gasket. It seems that few agree on how much and/or what adhesive to use. Some say use no adhesive at all. Others say use it only on the spoke tips. While others say use it on all surfaces on the bottom. Who is correct??? This is why I am reluctant to replace it if it is not that bad yet. I could be making the situation worse.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 4/21/2015
Lou - Sounds like your spider gasket has a leak between the Waste port and its adjacent port, and of course the best solution is to replace the spider gasket. Putting a shut off valve on the waste line should work as a temporary fix, but you will have to remember to open the shut off valve when you set your filter to Waste or the pump water will have nowhere to go and you may damage your system.Reply
Lou Posted: 4/20/2015
I have a DE filter with an SP0715 Hayward multiport valve. There is always a slight amount of discharge out the waste port when the pump is running. Maybe about 2 gallons/day. I know the valve's spider gasket may need changing. I was wondering, as an option can I place a shut off valve on the waste port instead. Would this do any damage or cause a problem to the muliport valve or filter?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 2/23/2015
Chloe - Sounds like you may be at the point where you will have to vacuum the rest out with a large heavy duty wet vac. You should be able to rent one of these from a local hardware or rental store. You will also need to buy the following equipment if you don't already have it.Clear Triangular Vac Head-Deluxe
Swimming Pool Telescopic Pole
Deluxe Inground Vac Hose 1 1/2 inch x 35 foot
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Chloe Posted: 2/21/2015
Hi please can you help me , our pool man has let us down a number of times so we turned off our pool and left it for Afew months , it's dirty, I had it on waste all day and most of water has gone but won't drain anymore still about 1 foot of water left The dirt has settled to the bottom of the pool and won't drain anymore ! Please help me . I haven't a clue what to do. Please make it somple instructions hahaReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 1/25/2015
sand in pool - Check your multiport valve gasket again. You may be getting vacuum debris leaking back through the recirculate path when you are in filter mode. Also try closing down the suction post a little to see if that helps - should reduce pressure. Finally, you may have a leak in your suction port line that is sucking in debris at the leak. You may have to have someone look at that pipe.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 1/21/2015
We have changed the sand, latterals, multiport valve and the impellor on a meteor eclipse sandfilter. It now filters on normal usage. But when I vacuum it goes back into the pool. The psi starts at aboit 19/20 psi on normal run, Could the motor be pushing the water through to fast to properly filter while vacummingReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 10/6/2014
MPV Drawing - I would suggest contacting the valve manufacturer. They should have a picture of your valve label in their system that they would send to you.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 10/5/2014
where can I get a drawing of the positions of the multiport valve.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/27/2014
Low pressure - A clogged impeller is a good place to start. See our guide on "How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller". If that's not the problem, try our guide on "How To Determine the Cause of Low Water Flow".Reply
Anonymous Posted: 9/26/2014
Installed a new multi port valve and sand. Now cant get the pressure above five. Pressure good at intake but low on all discharge settings cant find any problem. Could the impeller be cloggedReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/24/2014
TC - When your gauge reads 0 while your pump is running, I would assume that your pump has lost prime - the strainer basket has no or little water in it. That would indicate that you have a suction side leak in the connections of the pipes coming from the pool to your pump. Try soaping up the suction line connections to see if bubbles get sucked in to a leak. I would concentrate on the line that you shut off to get the system working. The leakage around the chlorinator is on the discharge side of the pump, and though annoying, would not cause your system to lose prime.Reply
TC Posted: 7/22/2014
My filter has been giving me problems. Its a hayward s244t sand filter I believe. I just bought the house and trying to figure out how to get everything running. I dont think the system is very old. I finally played around with it long enough yesterday after 3 pool guys came out and couldn't fix the issue. Sometimes it filters and sometimes it wont. Sometimes the guage won't leave off of 0 and right now its at 10 and the filter is running. I was finally able to backwash and rinse it yesterday. Im afraid that if I turn it off it wont work again. I have the right valve turned off (not sure where it leads to) and it seems to be working fine vs both valves open leading to the skimmer by the pump. Please advise on what could be the issue. Even though its working there has to be something faulty. There is also some leakage around the inline chlorinator.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/11/2014
low pressure - Here's a link to our guide on "How To Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". It has suggestions on how to resolve common low pressure issues. If you haven't changes your filter sand in the last 5-7 years, that also may be a problem. Here's our guide on "How To Change Sand In a Sand Filter".Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/10/2014
I have low pressure in the filter position. Backwash several times no change in operation. Im not sure if its the multi-port valve or the sand can you please advise. The filter is a haywood SP 714.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/28/2014
Phil - Assuming the filter is all installed, the start-up sequence is to first set your multiport valve to backwash and run it for 2-3 minutes, then set the valve to rinse and run for 30 seconds, then set the valve to filter for regular operation. Remember to shut off the pump each time your change filter modes, so you don't damage your filter gasket. If you have a lot of debris in your pool, get as much of that out of the pool with a hand skimmer before you run the pump, so you don't clog up the filter.Reply
Phil Posted: 6/27/2014
Great web site! I am installing a new above ground pool and am using a multiport filter, what do I need to do when I switch it on for the first time? ThanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/17/2014
chronoallison - Sounds like your spider gasket in your multiport valve is damaged. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve". Remember to always turn off the pump before changing the valve setting.Reply
chronoallusion Posted: 6/17/2014
I have it set properly and it is not on waste but the waste water hose is spewing water out faster than it can be filled?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/11/2014
Barb E - You can turn the handle on the valve either way but be sure to sure the pump is off before you rotate the handle or you can damage the spider gasket. It sounds like the valve's spider gasket may be damaged. Check the gasket and replace it if required.Reply