Non-return valve - replace?

[fogeshan]

Hi,

I'm trying to ascertain if this non-return valve needs to be working. Here's a picture:

The plunger(?) managed to bend itself somehow:

Do I need to replace this? The pool seems to run fine with the water just passing through.

 

[Bama Rambler]

The only issue with it not being there is that water could back into the pump from the filter. If that's not happening then it's not needed. I wouldn't worry about replacing it unless you hqave an issue. My system doesn't have one at all.