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How a Multiport Valve Operates

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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.

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Click Here to View All Multiport Valves



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Step 1

There are five ports into and out of a typical multiport valve. Three are shown in this picture. The top left port, labeled "PUMP", brings unfiltered water in from the pump. The middle left port, labeled "RETURN", sends filtered water back to the pool. The middle right port, labeled "WASTE", sends water to an external drain hose.

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Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Parts Listings (including Jacuzzi, Waterway, Jandy & More) 

Step 2

The other two ports control flow though the filter. This picture shows the valve as it is connected to the inside piping of the filter. At the bottom of the valve, a pipe port connects to the collection tubes (laterals) on the bottom of the filter. The area around the pipe on the bottom side of the valve directs water to the top of the filter. This picture shows water flow for a "FILTER" setting. Water will flow in the opposite direction with a "BACKWASH" setting. The next series of steps explains how each of the valve setting directs water though these ports. CAUTION. When selecting a valve setting, make sure that the pump has been TURNED OFF and always depress the handle before turning.

Step 3

FILTER. This is the normal setting for filtering your pool water and for regular vacuuming. Water from the pool is pumped into the "PUMP" port to the top of the filter. Contaminates are removed as the water makes it way to the bottom to be pushed back up through a central pipe to the "RETURN" port and back to the pool.

Step 4

BACKWASH. After a period of time, the contaminates start to clog the sand to the point where water flow is significantly diminished and the pressure gauge rises 8 to 10 psi above normal operation readings. To clean out the contaminates, you have to backwash the sand. In the backwash setting water flow is reversed though the filter. Water comes from the "PUMP" port down the filter through the central pipe, then back up through the sand to flow out the top exit of the filter and out the "WASTE" port to an external drain. As the water flows up though the sand, the sand is lifted about 7 inches above its normal height releasing the trapped contaminates to be purged out in the waste water.

Step 5

RINSE. After backwashing, the sand is loose and needs to be reset. Also any dirty water from backwashing has to be rinsed out of the filter to waste to prevent it from returning to the pool. With the valve in rinse mode, water is directed from the "PUMP" port to the top of the tank to compress the sand. As in the filter setting, the water flows down though the sand and back up though the central pipe but instead of going out the "RETURN" port to the pool, the water is diverted out the "WASTE" port.

Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Parts Listings (including Jacuzzi, Waterway, Jandy & More) 



Step 6

WASTE. This setting is used to bypass the filter when you want to vacuum the pool after an algae treatment or to lower the pool level. The water enters the valve though the "PUMP" port and exits though the "WASTE" port.

Step 7

CLOSED. This setting is used for shutting off all flow to the filter and pool. Water flow is stopped at the "PUMP" port.

Step 8

RECIRCULATE. This setting is used to bypass the filter during certain pool cleanups and chemical treatments when you don't want the water contaminating the sand. Water enters the valve through the "PUMP" port and exits back to the pool through the "RETURN" port.

Step 9

WINTER. Use this setting when you are closing down the pool for the winter. This will allow water to drain from the valve.

Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Parts

Click Here to View All Multiport Valves

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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/31/2012 

Ralph - I'm trying to get a collection of pictures of valve labels from the vendor that should help you. Most valve manufacturers do not sell replacement labels.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/31/2012 

Kandy - I'm trying to get a collection of pictures of valve labels from the vendor that should help you. Most valve manufacturers do not sell replacement labels.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/29/2012 

I have a DE hayword filter, I have a high Psi reading after the filter runs more than 30 minutes then pressure is gone. I clean the filters (8 of them) really well, put in my DE and within no time the Psi jumps to 30. Is there any reason why this happens? When I backwash it goes back down but then within 10 minutes its back up to 30 and there usually is no power to run a vacuum crawler. The vacuum crawler if I put that in will drip it even faster leaving almost no suction. Is my filter holding tank bad. I have recently replaced all my cartridges and there really isn't anything going back into the pool so it has to be something else. HELP!! Also, just FYI it only looses pressure when in Filter, when on backwash it does its job and recirculate it does its job.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/28/2012 

barneye - There is a spider gasket inside your valve that is used to control the flow between the valve's chambers. See if that needs to be replaced.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/26/2012 

I have a Hayward multiport valve on a DE filter. When I backwash I can see media being pumped into my supply lines via a 2" clear tubing (Ecosmarte) When the valve is set to filter, it delivers the media that has accumulated in the supply line to the pool. Is there a gasket or something I can replace to fix this?

Thanks.
barneye
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/25/2012 

My multiport sand filter does not have a recirculate setting, what would you recommend I do in order to add floc to pool?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/25/2012 

I have the same problem as Pam and can't find the paperwork to identify the specific model....I know I have a purex triton DE filter...and it is probably 2" DE multiport valve if that helps. can you email a pic of a possible pentair valve that shows the settings please?
Cheers,
 Reply

 Posted: 5/24/2012 

I just moved into a house with a Jacuzzi TC-450 and the label is gone. I have no idea how to find the different positions. How can I get a new label or how do you know what the positions are.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/24/2012 

Pam- Can you give me the make and model of you filter and your email address so I can send you a picture of the label.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/23/2012 

my valve position label has deteriorated to the point I can't read it. do you have a replacement label or a diagram so I can use my filter?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/22/2012 

Mike - Check to see if your spider gasket is still functional. Also check that the spring that pushes against the handle is not broken or weak. It might not be applying enough pressure to seal the spider gasket.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/22/2012 

DTC88 - Check your multiport spider gasket. It may be worn or broken and need replacing.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/22/2012 

Bill S - Sounds like your spider gasket may be bad and might need to be replaced. It keeps water from flowing out the wrong ports. Have you turned off the pump to change the valve settings? And do you depress the valve handle all the way down to rotate it?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/22/2012 

I opened my pool this weekend and found a problem. I have a sand filtration system. In the filter setting a good portion of the water comes out the drain spout. What would cause this?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/21/2012 

I have a standard 9 setting valve. I just openned the pool for the year and when putting the valve in most positions Waste, Rinse, Backwash , it operates fine, but when in filter mode or recircualtion mode, it discharges water out of the discharge hose. The rate is far less than the backwash rate, but still consistent adn far more than a trickle. What could be the cause?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/21/2012 

Just recently openned an inground pool with a Hayward Sand Filter. I getting a terrible anmount of air into the filter, to the point that many bubbles and girgles are coming back into the pool via the returns. Additionally My discharge / Backwash line is blowing up with air and some water is being sent out as well.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/21/2012 

Mike - If you've taken the valve apart or taken the handle off, it is possible on some multiport valves to reverse the valve positions 180 degrees off their correct positions.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/19/2012 

My vari-flo filter is in Filter position but it is operating in recycling the water and there is no water going into the filter and there is no water in the sight glass. What could be the problem? The filter was installed in 1995 and this is the first time this has happened.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/16/2012 

Michael - Check to make sure that the valve from the pool is open to allow water to flow from the pool to the pump and filter.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/13/2012 

I have a multi-valve pump with separate inlet & outlet valves for both spa & pool. I've set the top handle to "waste", switched on pump but nothing drained. What are the correct settings? And what have I missed?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/12/2012 

i replaced my spider gasket but when i put the top back on i didn,t have it on the right postion its a sp711 does anyone know
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/11/2012 

Alan - Try floc clarifier. Here's instructions for its use: The floc needs to be added slowly the pool. The filter needs to set to recirculate on a sand or de filter. After circulating for approx. 5 hours, the customer can turn the pump and filter off for 24-48 hours to let everything settle. Once that time has passed, they will need to vacuum everything that settles to waste. If the pool is really cloudy they may need to repeat the process.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/11/2012 

I have a question. I opened my pool this year and like always it got cloudy. All my parameters are perfect so I knew it had to be fine debris. I know youre not supposed to backwash very often but Im running my pump 24/7 and it seems like the only time the cloudiness improves is over the course of the 48 hrs right after I backwash. So little by little my pools getting clearer and clearer but Im a little confused. Shouldnt the accumulation of fine debris help trap more and more. I changed my sand 2 yrs ago, could it be time for another change? Im wasting alot of chemicals and water backwashing every 4-5 days. Thanks for any insight.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/7/2012 

GR - Yes, depending on the valve, we do sell the lower part of the multiport valve that attaches to the pipe. It's called a diffuser. You would also have to buy the whole center pipe assembly with the hub and laterals. We do not sell the pipe separately.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/6/2012 

Someone glue the pipe in the multi vale piece I'm afraid I might break it trying to take it out. What should I do. Can I just buy the top part
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/6/2012 

sacandagatx - If you are trying to get the DE off the bottom of the pool floor, shut off the valve to the skimmer so that water is only coming from the main drain. Then push the DE into the main drain. In filter mode, The DE should then flow to the filter and collect on the grids. If you want to vacuum the DE through the suction line, again shut off the skimmer line to cut done on flow and open the waste line. It's not clear why you wouldn't want to leave the filter valve in filter mode to have the vacuumed DE go to the filter grids.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/6/2012 

With some filters it is possible to reassemble them wrong so that they are 180 degrees out of position - the filter position is really the backwash function, etc. If you can call and give us your filter manf and model #, we may be able to help you further.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/6/2012 

After cleaning my DE Filter and reassembling (everything appeared fine)..until I put DE in skimmer. All the DE ended up in the pool. The polaris has picked up a bag or two..but need to get the rest out of the pool. Was told to use waste setting and vacumn - unfortuanately water is going down faster than the removal of the de. Any suggestions? Perhaps my settings are not correct for main drain/skimmer?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/5/2012 

starting last week when multiport is in filter position, it is draining all the water out of backwash line. i replaced the spider gasket. but it is still doing it. the only position it doesnt drain in is recirculate and closed, im at a loss any suggestions would be grateful
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2012 

FRANK - Check your spider gasket. It may be torn or not seated properly. See our guide on How to Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spider Gasket for instructions.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/3/2012 

AT THE END OF LAST SUMMER THE POOL PUMP BURNED UP.I THOUGHT NO BIG DEAL NOBODY IS USING IT.ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO I PUT A NEW PUMPON IT.I HAD MAGOR LEAKS AT CONTROL VALVE.I PUT NEW SEALS AND A NEW ORING ON HANDLE SHAFT.NOW HAVE AIR BUBLES COMING OUT OF JETS.WHEN I BACK WASH IT,IT SEAMS MUCH BETTER BUT WHEN SHUT OFF OVERNIGHT IT COMES BACK.FRANK
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/28/2012 

Judy - Sounds like what happens when you are reopening a pool and have a lot of debris in the pool. If this is the case, try to remove as much of the debris with a net before filtering. Even then you may have to backwash several times to get to a normal filtering stage. Two other things to check: did you use pool filter sand and did you leave at least 6" between the top of the sand and the top of the filter tank.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/28/2012 

I had the sand replaced in my sand filter. The water flow of the pump into the pool was great. An hour or so later, not so great. Backwashed and rinsed and it worked, then it did not. Was advised to use the recirculation cycle and it worked, so I was told the pump is okay....but later the water pressure went down again. Any suggestions?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/16/2012 

Will - Yes, the SP0714T multiport valve will work on your Hayward 180T sand filter.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/16/2012 

I have a older Hayward 180t sand filter. The multi port valve needs replaced p-0711-a13. I can't find this part number. Will part number p-0714 work on this model. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/23/2012 

Lee – You may be able to repair the Multiport Valve. It sounds like the gasket is torn and if the handle is too easy to depress you may have a broken spring. See our How To Guides on Replacing a Spring and Replacing a Valve Gasket.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/22/2012 

After loosing pump vacume recently, it took me 2 days to figure out that the problem was with the multiport valve, which had not completely closed the rince cycle valve. Also, the multiport valve handle has very little resistance when depressed. Is it time to replace the multiport valve?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/11/2012 

clik - Thank you for your comment. Be sure to look at part II of our "How a Multiport Valve Operates" guides if you haven't already.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/11/2012 

Excellent information and nice to see a business taking the time to help their customers and people who don’t maintain pools for a living will learn from this.

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/19/2011 

Mike, Your assumption is by bypassing the filter and basically having a straight unimpeded path from the pump to the return ports you would increase your jet pressure. This seems reasonable but I don’t think you would see much difference compared to the pressure generated by the blower to your spa jets.
 Reply