Flo valve not working correctly? (video)

[NickNorth11]

My system is setup with a solar heater (on the roof, of course) ran after the heat pump. So everyday at 6pm when the system shuts down, the water remaining in the solar tubes drains back down into the heat pump. I was under the impression that this valve, which is between the heat pump and solar heater, should stop this backflow. It's also very loud inside and very annoying, so I'd love to have it stop doing this. Do I need a new valve?

Here is the valve as the solar heater is draining back through it into the heat pump.
Flo pool check-valve - YouTube

 

[denniswiseman]

It looks like that valve should be on a vertical run not a horizontal run


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[NickNorth11]

Thanks. I'll look into that.

 

[denniswiseman]

You could use a spring loaded one if it's not possible to change the position


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[Catanzaro]

Is the flow valve on the supply side (before the pump and filter) or on the suction side) after filter? Also, maybe it is backwards. In a situation like this, it is always best to check with the manufacturer. It reminds me of the radiant heat applications in the house. The pump was moved once. Then the second plumber said it belong in the same spot it was moved from. IMO, the flow valve should be on the return side (after the filter), heat pump and solar panels, right before entering the returns of the pool without any restrictions.

How long has this flow valve been part of your system. Maybe it is installed incorrectly or defective. Thanks!

 

[denniswiseman]

I suspect the valve is to stop the water flowing back from the solar panels, so IMHO it should be on the solar flow


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[NickNorth11]

The valve can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. It is installed in the correct orientation as well. It is mounted after the pump/filter/heat pump but before the solar heater and chlorinator, which I would assume is the correct placement for it. I purchased this house in July, and the valve has been in place since then.

Thanks guys.

 

[denniswiseman]

Has it worked OK in the past because that flap in the valve should be held closed with the head of water above it unless the solar panels are lower


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[NickNorth11]

I talked to Flo Control today and they think the valve is working correctly. They suggested a vacuum may be being created on the solar panel side when it's trying to drain. The funny thing is I just replaced the valve on the solar panel last week because the old one was leaking a tiny bit around the seal, and the current problem was also present with the old valve.

 

[denniswiseman]

Is the solar return to the pool complete open. If it is then I can't see how a vacuum can be created



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[NickNorth11]

If you're asking if the valve is open, then yes, it is completely open.

 

[needsajet]

Is that check valve on your main circulation circuit? (i.e. always open when filtering, closed when filter pump is off?)

How big is the solar system and how is it turned on and off? Booster pump or actuated valve?

As mentioned, you can solve the issue by adding a check valve on the solar input line.

 

[denniswiseman]

If you're asking if the valve is open, then yes, it is completely open.

I mean is the solar return to the pool unrestricted
Can you post some images of your layout


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[NickNorth11]

Yes, the valve is on the main circulation circuit. The solar system is comprised of four panels, all 4' x 8' (I think). It is turned on/off manually via the black valve in the picture. I pretty much leave it on all of the time.

Yes, the solar return is unrestricted.

 

[denniswiseman]

The images were quiet helpful
IMHO
I would fit a spring non return valves on the flow to the solar panels to hold them full of water when shut down and repipe the solar return to after the chlorinator
When the return is draining to the pool, it is pulling water from the heater flow causing the flap to flap back and forwards
You would have to make provision for winterising the panels

 

[NickNorth11]

Great news. I'm having a SWG installed tomorrow and the tech came out to evaluate my system pre-install today. I asked him if he had a spring check valve to replace mine and he did. It seems to have solved the problem. As for winterizing, I live in Florida, so no worries!

Thanks everyone!