Pool valves are a key component of the equipment needed to keep your pool running smoothly. Depending on the type of valve and its position in the pool filtration system, its role is different. Valves can be used to control the water flow, adjust the water pressure, isolate areas of the pool system for maintenance or repairs and much more. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of valve to ensure the pool system works properly.
Throughout this article, we will discuss the different types of pool valves and provide tips on how to pick the one that is right for you.
Pool Valves Play An Important Role
Properly operating pool valves ensure your pool stays clean, balanced, and safe to swim in. The purpose of these valves is to regulate and precisely adjust the flow of water in the various circuits of your installation. It involves filtration, heating, automatic water sanitizing, counter-current, etc. Furthermore, valves assist in maintaining adequate pressure and ensuring the safety of pool piping.
Through their ability to control water circulation efficiently, pool valves assist in the following ways:
- Enhance the quality of water,
- reduce the consumption of water and energy,
- as well as extending the life of your pool and its equipment.
Consequently, they are an essential component of your pool’s operation and ensure a pleasant bathing experience.
Pool Ball Valves
The ball valve has a round, hollow ball inside with a hole in it, which is connected to a handle on the outside. When the handle is in the open position, the hole in the ball aligns with the two ends of the valve, allowing flow. When the handle is in the closed position, the hole in the ball is perpendicular to the ends of the valve, blocking the flow.
Advantages
An advantage of ball valves is that they are easy to use, are quick to open and close, and provide a good seal. Aside from being cost-effective, they are also available in several sizes from 1/8″ to 24″ and materials to meet various requirements. The most common material used for these pool valves is PVC.
Disadvantages
Despite their ease of use, ball valves can be prone to sticking. Additionally, they can suffer from corrosion or mineral buildup, reducing their lifespan and eventually leading to costly repair or replacement. Investing in quality ball valves is essential to ensure they remain in top condition and perform optimally for an extended period of time.
How to choose the pool ball valves?
To ensure the best performance, select a ball valve that is rated for the highest possible water pressure, and designed for use with the chemicals you are using in your pool. Additionally, make sure to check the valve’s compatibility with the pipe fittings you have installed. Finally, look for valves designed for long-term durability and easy maintenance.
Morana's advice 👇
Find out what kind of valve you need
Your pool’s filtration, heating, and cleaning systems depend on valves to manage the flow of water. To choose the one that best meets your specific needs, you should understand the differences between them.
Consult an expert for optimum installation and configuration
Pool owners may be tempted to install or replace valves themselves, but it is advisable to consult an expert. A professional can recommend the right type of valve for your system, considering the type of filtration and the specific needs of your pool.
A swimming pool just like you dreamed of!
The Butterfly Valves For Pools
Butterfly valves are used to control the flow of water in a swimming pool. They are designed with a disk-shaped valve, which is connected to a handle. By turning the handle, the valve opens or closes, allowing water to flow through the pipe. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of pool valve, along with a few points to keep in mind.
Benefits
The butterfly valves are compact, lightweight, and offer good flow control. They’re also corrosion-resistant and can handle aggressive chemicals. They also have an advantage over other valves because they are self-lubricating and can create a tight seal with minimal maintenance.
Drawbacks
Butterfly valves can be harder to handle than ball valves, especially when used at high pressure. This is because they require more force to open and close due to their design, and can become prone to wear and tear when used under extreme conditions.
What is the right butterfly valve for your pool?
When choosing a butterfly valve for your pool, consider the available space, water pressure and chemicals used. Opt for a valve that is designed to withstand the particular conditions of your pool, including its size, water pressure, and the chemicals used. Make sure to select a valve that is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion and can handle the pressure of your pool.
Multiport Valves For Pool Filters
Multiport valves are designed to allow water to flow through the pool filter.
They have several ports that allow for the regulation of water pressure and flow, helping to maintain optimal filter performance. They are an essential component for keeping pool water clean and clear.
The most common valve positions are filtration and backwash. Backwash cleans the filter media by removing accumulated impurities, rinse removes residual debris, and winterization prepares the filtration system for months of inactivity.
Multiport valves ensure efficient water circulation through the filter, optimizing pool water quality. Keep multi-way valves maintained based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, and follow their instructions for proper use.
Maintain multi-port valves regularly to ensure they're working properly, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Function of the filter based on multiport valve setting position
The direction of water flow within a pool filtration system is determined by a multiport valve. As a result, the filter is capable of performing six different operations. To properly manipulate the multiport valve, follow these steps: first, ensure that the pump is stopped. Turn the multiport valve handle to the desired position. Once the valve is set, you can restart the pump and allow the water to flow accordingly.
It is the default and most commonly used position. In this position, water is drawn from the pool, passes through the filter media, and then returns to the pool. This filtration process helps to remove debris, contaminants, and impurities from the water,
It is used to clean the filter media by reversing the flow of water. This helps to dislodge and remove any dirt, debris, or trapped particles that have accumulated in the filter, ensuring optimal filtration efficiency.
This position allows for a brief period of water flow to settle the filter media before returning to the filter position.
It is used to remove large amounts of water from the pool without passing it through the filter. This can be beneficial when the pool needs to be partially drained for cleaning or maintenance.
This allows the water to bypass the filter and flow directly back into the pool. For a situation such as mixing chemicals quickly, this can be useful for circulating water without filtering it.
It is used when you wish to completely stop the flow of water through the filtration system. In situations such as winterizing the pool, this is advantageous. This ensures that it remains clean and free of debris during inactivity periods.
What to look for when choosing a multiport valve?
When choosing a multiport valve for your pool filter, it’s important to consider several factors to make the best choice. First, ensure that your multiport valve is compatible with the filter type and capacity of your system. Make sure that the technical specifications of the manufacturer are compatible. Generally, small-diameter multiway valves are sold as a set, so there is no need to decide between them.
To ensure their durability and long-term efficiency, look for multiport valves manufactured by reputable brands. Select a good-quality filter and you’ll get a high-quality multi-way valve.
Finally, get recommendations and opinions from pool pros. Selecting the right multi-way valve will make filter maintenance easier, and keep your pool water clean.
Swimming Pool Check Valves
Check valves are essential devices in your pool’s plumbing system. They ensure that water flows in only one direction, promoting efficient water circulation throughout the system. They are also known as non-return valves. Therefore, they play a crucial role in preventing pool water backflow, which can damage equipment and compromise the filtration system’s smooth operation.
Infinity edge pools or zero-edge pools typically have non-return valves installed in their suction pipes. In this way, they prevent water from flowing back into the surge tank, and thus avoid overflowing into nature. Other check valves may be required depending on the pool configuration.
How to select a check valve pool
There are valuable factors to consider when choosing a pool check valve, and provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.
Valve Size and Compatibility: It is crucial to select a check valve that matches the pipe size and type of your pool system.
Pool check valves are available in various materials, such as PVC, CPVC, and bronze. Each material has its advantages and suitability based on factors like pool chemicals, temperature, and pressure.
The flow capacity of a check valve determines the maximum volume of water it can handle without causing excessive resistance.
Maintaining check valves is crucial
It’s essential to check the condition of check valves regularly, and to maintain them correctly. This will ensure their proper operation and maintain the integrity of your pool’s plumbing system. A faulty non-return valve can cause an overflow pool to be completely drained.
Conclusion
There are many types of pool valves, each with its uses, pros, and cons. When choosing the right valve for your project, consider criteria such as use, available space, water pressure, chemicals used, level of water flow control required and maintenance required. If in doubt, we’ll help you pick the pool valve best suited to your pool installation.
