how do i adjust my pool valve

Adjusting Pool & Spa Valves

• Valve Adjustment - one valve. Turn on motor and let pool run for a few minutes, ensuring that there is no air in the...
• Loosen nut on top of handle just enough to allow smooth movement when turning. (don’t forget to tighten it when done.)...
• Valve Adjustment - (two valves), If you have a side port, you will have to determine which one of these...

Full Answer

How to adjust the valves on a pool and spa?

Adjusting Pool & Spa Valves 1 Valve Adjustment - one valve. ... 2 Loosen nut on top of handle just enough to allow smooth movement when turning. ... 3 Valve Adjustment - (two valves), If you have a side port, you will have to determine which one of these valves works the side port as the main drain and ...

How many diverter valves do I need for my Pool?

SUCTION SIDE SETUP - This picture shows a typical diverter valve configuration for the suction side of a pool with the main drain, a skimmer, and a suction line for a cleaner; and for a spa with a spa drain. This setup uses three three-way diverter valves to control the incoming flow to the pump from the three sources.

How do I adjust the water level in my pool skimmer?

Open up valves so they are set in-between main drain & skimmer. Then readjust them according to the prior directions. Water level is below pool skimmer. Add water until 3 - 4” above bottom of skimmer. Be sure to turn off pump until water level is at the proper height.

How do you set the valves on a pressure washer?

The valves would be set as skimmer open, main drain closed. Most cleaners come with a skimmer adapter that allow adjustable flow to be able to skim as well as having the cleaner connected. Since pressure cleaners use a pool return line, there are no valves on the front, or (suction) side of the pump for it.

How do you adjust a swimming pool valve?

0:232:40How to: Pool Valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor normal circulation when you're not brushing make sure your main drain valve and your skimmerMoreFor normal circulation when you're not brushing make sure your main drain valve and your skimmer valve on the suction side are both completely open.

What position should my pool valves be set?

The valves would be set as skimmer open, main drain closed. Most cleaners come with a skimmer adapter that allow adjustable flow to be able to skim as well as having the cleaner connected.

How do you know if a pool valve is open or closed?

1:318:43How To Understand Pool Valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOpen unless your equipment is significantly above or below water level and you're going to doMoreOpen unless your equipment is significantly above or below water level and you're going to do maintenance. It's never a good idea to close the valves on the inlet or on the outlet side of the pump.

How do I adjust the flow on my pool skimmer?

1:593:51Float Valve Assembly and your Pool Skimmer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the float valve is on engage. Water will flow through the skimmer. And pull right through theMoreIf the float valve is on engage. Water will flow through the skimmer. And pull right through the pump.

What are the three valves on a pool pump?

3:064:24Understand Your Pool Valves and What They Do - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the next type of valve is called a three-way valve it's very similar to a two-way valve. OnlyMoreAnd the next type of valve is called a three-way valve it's very similar to a two-way valve. Only this one gives you a little more flexibility a three-way valve has one inlet and two outlets.

What is the closed position on pool pump?

Closed - This position shuts off flow from the pump to the filter. In this position the pump should be off because the pump is “dead headed”. Used mainly for servicing the system. Waste - Water enters the valve from the pump and goes directly to waste.

Which way do you turn a water valve to open it?

When it comes to which way you should turn the valve, keep in mind the old saying “righty tighty, lefty loosey.” In other words, turning a valve clockwise, or to the right, will restrict the flow of water while turning it counterclockwise, or to the left, will allow water to flow.

Should pool drain valve be open or closed?

For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed. This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a "bottom-to-top" circulation throughout the pool.

What position is open on a gas valve?

When the long side of the nub or handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it's open and the gas is flowing. When it's turned a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe, it's closed.

How do I get more suction on my skimmer?

Solution. The fix is quite simple. Open the valve that fills your pool and make sure it reaches the recommended levels for the size of your pool and your skimmer. The water level must be at around half of the opening of the skimmer to ensure a steady state of water pressure.

What are the 2 holes in skimmer?

The hole closer to the pool connects to the main drain. The other hole goes to the pump. As water is drawn out of the skimmer by the pump, water flows from the drain into the skimmer. There are devices that more directly connect the two pipes to increase flow from the drain.

How do I adjust the jets in my pool?

The best way to position your pool jets is angled slightly downward and all pointing at the same direction or depending on the shape of your pool, that will create one “flow” or circular motion in your pool. The direction should be away from the skimmers.

Should pool main drain be open or closed?

For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed. This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a "bottom-to-top" circulation throughout the pool.

How do pool Diverter valves work?

Diverter valves are either two-way valves or three-way valves. Two-way valves let you control flow to and from one port. By rotating the handle through a 90° arc, a two-way valve can be turned off, on, or anywhere in between. Three-way valves are T shaped with one center port and two end ports.

How many hours a day should you run a pool pump?

approximately 8 hours aEvery pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.

How does a pool check valve work?

0:281:21What Is A Check Valve? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut part of how they work is that they have a check valve in there and what that is it's just aMoreBut part of how they work is that they have a check valve in there and what that is it's just a little flapper that closes. The direction of travel of water. So that as you can see from the arrow.

Where should the pool valve sit?

If your pool is relatively free of debris and leaves, the valve can sit comfortably in-between the main drain and skimmer. If you have an automated floor vacuum and your pool collects leaves and debris, refer to the automated floor vacuum chapter for proper adjustments. Water Flow Troubleshooting.

How to shut off a pool skimmer?

(don’t forget to tighten it when done.) Turn handle to one side to shut off one of the pipes. Now go to the skimmer in your pool, remove lid and look inside to see of there is water movement by dropping a couple leaves into the water (do not put hand inside). If leaves move in circles, or are drawn into the skimmer in a circular motion, you have effectively shut off the main drain. If this is the case, with a felt tip marker, label pipe that is shut off with MD (main drain). Opposite this marking, label the other pipe SK (skimmer). If the water in the skimmer is not moving, turn handle in the opposite direction and then check skimmer and label appropriately.

What to do if water in skimmer is not moving?

If the water in the skimmer is not moving, turn handle in the opposite direction and then check skimmer and label appropriately. Valve Adjustment - (two valves), If you have a side port, you will have to determine which one of these valves works the side port as the main drain and skimmer adjustments typically work off the same valve.

What is the main drain in a pool?

The Main Drain - draws water from the bottom of the pool into the filter system. They each have an individual pipe that converges into one pipe just before your pump and filter. Typically, there is a valve that allows you to adjust the water flow from these two pipes. Side Port is an opening in the side of the pool for a floor vacuum attachment.

What is a skimmer in a pool?

The Skimmer - is the housing at the side of the pool that pulls water, leaves and debris into the system and collects debris in a basket.

How to keep leaves from falling in pool?

This is a very effective way to keep your pool relatively free of debris settling on the bottom of the pool. However, you will have to empty the skimmer basket frequently so it doesn’t jam and interfere with the water flow. Ideally, empty basket right after motor shuts down so leaves don’t float back into pool if your skimmer opening doesn’t have a door.

What to do if you don't see water in skimmer?

If you do not see a flow of water in the skimmer after trying each adjustment, you may have shut off the main drain and skimmer entirely. This is more than likely the side port adjustment. Once establishing your main drain and skimmer valve, the second valve should be the side port.

How to fit a valve in a pipe?

Trim three pieces of pipe to be the right size to go between each of the connectors and valve ports. Add 1 ½ inches to the length of two of the pipes so Add 1.5 inches to the length of two of the pipes so as to over lay the connector and valve. Cut the third pipe only one inch longer. This will make it easier to fit into the final pipe connection.

Why is it important to have a pool valve?

Don’t underestimate the importance of pool valves to ensure your plumbing works as it should , and the water in your swimming pool remains clear and sparkling. For more on the importance of keeping your water moving, head over to my guide on pool water circulation.

What is a diverter valve?

Diverter valves are either two-way valves or three-way valves. Two-way valves let you control flow to and from one port. By rotating the handle through a 90° arc, a two-way valve can be turned off, on, or anywhere in between. Three-way valves are T shaped with one center port and two end ports. It is possible to divert part or all ...

What to do if pipes are too rigid?

If the pipes are too rigid to allow the last short tube to slip into the valve and connector, you may need to use a valve with unions.

How to release pressure in a filter?

Release pressure in the lines by turning the safety valve located at the top of the filter in a counterclockwise direction. The filter pressure gauge should read zero.

Do diverter valves need to be lubricated?

Many diverters will adapt to either size. Valves are available that have paddles that are coated in Teflon which do not need to be lubricated. In the past, you had to lubricate diverter valves annually, but most modern diverter valves are maintenance-free.

Where is the inlet on a water valve?

The “INLET” marking should be in the center of the section through which water enters. When the valve is inserted incorrectly, you could shut off the water to the valve.

What does a pool valve do?

Pool valves keep your pool water moving in the right direction. You wouldn’t want the water going the wrong way through the filter, right? If that happened, you’d have all that filter gunk pushed back into your once-clean swimming pool.

Why do you need a check valve in a pool?

Check valves, also known as non-return or one-way valves are installed in plumbing to prevent the backflow of water, usually due to gravity. Also, if the pump is turned off, there’s nothing to keep the water from flowing the wrong way. This could lead to some nasty situations ending up in your pool.

What are the different types of pool valves?

The four big ones to be aware of are: Multiport Valves. Diverter Valves.

How many outlets does a 3 way diverter valve have?

The 3-way diverter valve can be open and closed stop water completely, allow water through 1 of the 2 outlets, or allow water through both outlets.

Why are butterfly valves called butterfly valves?

The technical term for these are Butterfly valves because they can flap open and closed. No, there’s not a lepidopterarium (it’s a real word) or butterfly sanctuary, in the valve. Think of it as a big flap. When it’s closed, the flap completely blocks the pipe and stops all the water flow.

How does a solar pool heater work?

Solar pool heaters work by warming the pool water in the toasty rays of the sun, usually positioned on your roof for optimum coverage. When your pump is turned off, though, all of that water is just going to go splashing back down thanks to the laws of physics.

Why is circulation important in a pool?

The circulation of water in your pool is the number one way we keep our pools healthy, clean, and free of debris. If your water didn’t move around then pool filters wouldn’t work, mosquitoes would set up shop, and yard debris would start piling up in your soon-to-be swamp. Pool valves keep your pool water moving in the right direction.

Why are all the valves open in a pool?

ALL RETURNS OPEN - In this picture, all three valves are open so that water flows after the pump to all four destinations: the pool returns the spa return/fountain, the spa jets, and the water feature.

How to shut off jets and water features in a pool?

JETS AND WATER FEATURES CLOSED - For maximum circulation in the pool, shut off the spa jets and water features by turning Valve 4 fully counter-clockwise and turning Valves 5 and 6 fully clockwise. This is also the setting you can use with Step 9, to drain your spa.

How to open up vacuum line?

VACUUM LINE OPEN WITH PARTIAL FLOW FROM DRAIN AND SKIMMER - You may find that in shutting off Valve 1 you have too much suction on the vacuum line or that your pump isn't getting sufficient flow from the one line to maintain prime. In this case, you will have to partially open up Valve 2 to increase flow and reduce the suction on the vacuum line. This picture shows opening up the flow from Valve 1 by rotating the Valve 2 handle counter-clockwise 45 °.

What valves are open for lion heads?

FOUNTAIN AND SPRAY HEADS OPEN - This picture shows the valve positions for shutting off all water to everything but the fountain and lions heads. By rotating Valves 4 and 5 fully clockwise, water flows through Valve 4 to Valves 5 and 6. Valve 6 supplies water to the lion heads and Valve 5 supplies water to the spa fountain. Water to the spa jets and the pool returns is blocked off.

What is a return side valve?

RETURN SIDE SETUP - The return side valves control the water flow after the pump and generally after the filter and chlorinator. This picture shows a typical diverter valve configuration for the return side for a pool with one or more pool returns, a spa return/fountain, a number of spa jets and a wheater feature. This setup uses two 3-way diverter valves and one 2-way diverter valve to control the returning flow after the pump to the four destinations. The following steps show some of the main valve settings for selecting the flow of water back to the pool and spa,#N#Please click here to view return fittings.

What valve closes the spa drain?

This picture shows the setting of valve 3 to completely close off the spa drain.

How to reopen a spa jet?

SPA JETS WITH PARTIAL RETURNS OPEN - If kids are in the spa and the jets are too strong, or you aren't getting enough flow to maintain prime in the pump, you would parti ally reopen the pool returns by rotating Valve 4 counter-clockwise 45°.so that it is positioned as shown. Note, in this setup the spray heads and fountain have been turned off.

Why do you need a valve in a pool?

The valves in your pool work to make sure that everything flows the way that it should. Different valves exist to suit different purposes, like single or multiport funneling. Though your valves shouldn’t have to be adjusted regularly, it’s essential to check on them and make sure they’re still holding strong. Valves are a vital part of your pool’s health, so the more you know about their function, the better you can ensure your pool works when you need it.

What Are Pool Valves?

If the plumbing system is the road for your pool’s water to follow, valves are the street signs. Like traffic flows in real life, the plumbing system needs help to keep everything running smoothly.

What is the winter mode on a multiport valve?

Multiport valves also have a winter mode setting to keep water in your pipes from freezing inside mechanisms. That setting prevents damage to them when the weather is cold out.

What is a valve actuator?

Valve actuators are the devices that make this possible. Valve actuators allow you to hook up your valves to the pool’s control box. They install onto diverter valves and react to the controls you input on the control box.

Why do you need a check valve for a chlorinator?

A check valve gets installed between the chlorinator and the pump or heater to make sure chlorinated water doesn’t backflow these machines and damage them. Without a check valve here, when you turn off the water flow for the system, this backflow can happen as the water settles inside the pipes.

What is a butterfly valve?

Also called butterfly valves, these valves can completely open or block off a pipe with a flap you control with a top handle. The point of this is so you can direct water towards or away from one part of your plumbing system. There are two different kinds of diverter valves for pools:

What does turning the handle on a skimmer valve do?

Turning the handle gives you the ability to shut off one of the two outputs or reduce the flow to the two outputs but not isolate anything. For example, you could close off your skimmer or drain with this valve, but not both if they’re connected to a 3-way diverter.

Where is the water supply valve located?

Ordinarily, the water supply valve is located in the area in a direct line that extends from the filler bucket to a nearby structure--such as along the foundation on the side of a home. But some are placed inline in an enclosed box at ground-level. Advertisement.

How to remove a defective auto fill valve?

Remove the defective auto-fill valve/float assembly. For the side-mount brass valves, a wrench is required to unscrew it from the filler bucket. For vertical valve and float assemblies, a wrench may not be needed. Reach down on each side of the vertical filler tube, grasp firmly with both hands and unscrew in a counterclockwise direction.

Is it difficult to replace an auto leveler?

Replacement is not difficult, and the part's operation is easy to understand. The valve in an auto-leveler operates on the same principle as a toilet valve--when water in the tank is lowered, a float drops and opens a valve which permits water to return to the tank (pool) until filled.

How many valves are there in a pool cleaner?

In the photo below, there are four valves. These are "3-way" style valves. They are, from left to right, SPA MAIN DRAIN, CLEANER, SKIMMER, and POOL MAIN DRAIN. For the cleaner to operate at maximum efficiency, only the skimmer and cleaner valves should be open. No other valves should be open.

What If There Are Only 2 Valves?

Many pools have suction type cleaners without having a dedicated line for it. This will connect into the skimmer. The valves would be set as skimmer open, main drain closed. Most cleaners come with a skimmer adapter that allow adjustable flow to be able to skim as well as having the cleaner connected.

What is a robotic pool cleaner?

Robotic: This cleaner uses electric power to operate. The most common robotic cleaners will have a water-proofed power cord that will plug into an outlet near the pool. pinterest-pin-it.

Do pool cleaners have a return line?

Since pressure cleaners use a pool return line, there are no valves on the front, or (suction) side of the pump for it. Some systems have a dedicated return line for this in which a booster pump is used to create a stronger return flow to the cleaner. A booster pump is usually on a separate timer from the main pool pump ...

Can you use a suction cleaner on a pool?

No, not if you are using a suction type of cleaner. The purpose of a pool main drain is to pull water from the bottom of the pool through the pump and filtration system. With a suction cleaner operating, it is already doing exactly what the main drain does, which is to pull water from the bottom of the pool.

Can a skimmer and drain be open at the same time?

Never main drain+skimmer+cleaner all open at the same time. All valves open will not hurt the equipment, but the cleaner will not operate correctly. When more suction is applied to the cleaner, it will operate better. Also, with the main drain open, this can cause the cleaner to become stuck on the drain.

Can a booster pump be used on a pool wall?

A booster pump is usually on a separate timer from the main pool pump and normally do not have any valves to adjust for flow. Without a booster pump, a threaded adapter will be used on one of the pool wall returns. In this case, the flow can only be adjusted by the amount of pool return pressure. pinterest-pin-it.

How Diverter Valves Work

Repair Considerations

Replacing A Diverter Valve

• Below is the process that I use to replace a three-way diverter valve. To start, you need to purchase a replacement diverter for either 1-1/2 inch or 2-inch piping. Many diverters will adapt to either size. Valves are available that have paddles that are coated in Teflon which do not need to be lubricated. In the past, you had to lubricate diverter...

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