You need to replace the old Ortega's with Jandy "never lube" valves, replace both 3-way valves, you will wish you had done this a long time ago when you see how much easier the valves turn.
Are you sure you are below pool level? or is it the spa making you think that?
I will also tell you that replacing the valves is best left to someone who does it for a living, and doesn't need to use unions in order to get it done.