Backwash Valves

Backwash valves are the “heart” of your pump and filter system. It is up to them to direct the water flow properly through the filter. Multi-port valves have a circular “spider” gasket that requires replacement, in some cases several times a year. They also have spring and stem o-rings that need to be lubricated and cleaned on a regular bases. Push-pull valves have o-rings that need to be lubricated or replaced whenever these valves become difficult to move into the different positions.

If your gaskets or o-rings are bad, water will continuously bypass the filter or leak down the bypass waste line. This is the most common cause of water loss from your pool or spa.

Multi-port valves are the most versatile of the backwash valves. They can be set into several different positions:

·Filter – water from the pump takes the proper route though the filter to the pool or spa. You can vacuum in this position. As you vacuum the dirt will collect inside the filter and it’s pressure will increase as your suction decreases. Backwashing flushes the dirt out of the filter allowing your flow to return and pressure to decrease. NEVER vacuum and backwash at the same time.

·Backwash – water from the pump is sent in the opposite direction through the filter and down the waste line. This “cleans” the collected dirt out of the filter. NEVER vacuum while in backwash position.

·Waste – water from the pump is sent directly down the waste line bypassing the filter completely. You can vacuum in this position. This position is helpful when there is a great deal of dirt in the pool that you don’t want to vacuum into the filter.

·Re-circulate – water from the pump is sent directly back to the pool bypassing the filter. Seldom used, only if you wanted to be working on the filter, but also needed to deep the water circulating at the same time.

·Rinse – water from the pump takes the same route as in the filter mode, but proceeds down the waste line instead of returning to the pool. Only used for a few seconds after backwashing to clean any remaining debris out of the valve itself.

·Closed – a way to stop flow completely. Useful if your equipment is below water level and you wish to get into your filter without draining. NEVER turn on the pump with the backwash valve in the closed position, as your pump will most likely crack apart.

Pentair Multi-port Valve

# 26-1173 SM-10 1 1/2" M/P Valve, pre-plumbed for Triton Sand Filter
# 26-1055 SM-20 2" M/P Valve, pre-plumbed for Triton Sand Filter

# 26-1177 SM-10 1 1/2" M/P Valve, pre-plumbed for Nautilus D.E. Filter
# 26-1152 SM-20 2" M/P Valve, pre-plumbed for Nautilus D.E. Filter

Always turn off pump before changing handle position. Tension should be exerted on handle while rotating.

Lubricate and change spider gasket.

2" PVC Slide Valve can be used for Sand or D.E. Filters

For Sand Filter – top pipe is waste line, bottom pipe is return line. Handle position is up to filter – down to backwash.
For D.E. Filter – top pipe is return line, bottom pipe is waste line. Handle position is down to filter – up to backwash.
The older model of this valve had a steel stem with wafers and seals held in position with “E” clips. These were notorious for dropping parts down the return line. The new valve has a solid stem with o-rings that snap into place. Do yourself a favor and replace the steel stem with the new plastic stem. They are interchangeable.
Lubricate these o-rings often with a good silicone grease. You shouldn’t have to use a crowbar and both hands to move the stem up and down.

Always turn off pump before changing handle position!!

in order to change your sand you have to remove top valve and more than likely re-plumb valve once your sand change is complete.