
Pool check valves keep water in the pool pump when it shuts off. They help inground pools have a fast prime by keeping the water inside the pump and filter while not allowing dirt from back-flowing into the pool. They’re usually only found on inground pools and not on above-ground pools since they have equipment located below the pool water level.
What is a check valve on a pool pump?
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 pool valves and how do they work?
Pool valves are part of the pool water filtration and circulation and play a key role in maintaining a healthy swimming pool free from debris and contaminants. They ensure the water flows in the right direction. The valves are of various types, with every kind having its functionality.
What is the purpose of a check valve?
A check valve is a one-way flow valve, with a purpose to keep water from flowing backwards or to prevent cycling of water in solar systems or bypass loops. Check valves are used in pool, spa and fountain plumbing to keep water flowing in only one direction.
How does a prime pump check valve work?
Pump check valves help inground pool pumps to catch prime quickly, by keeping the water in the pump and filter, when the pump shuts off. This ensures fast pump priming for long motor life, and also prevents pool filters from back flowing DE or dirt to the pool, when the pump is off.

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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
