Ball valve is hard to turn

[jjoshua]

The ball valves that control the flow from the skimmer and main drain have become very hard to turn. In fact, one of the handles broke off in my hand. Ouch. Here's the replacement part that I need to get.

http://www.a1poolparts.com/-strse-2569/ ... Detail.bok

What can I do to make the valves easier to turn? Is there any way to lubricate these?

 

[geekgranny]

The ball valves that control the flow from the skimmer and main drain have become very hard to turn. In fact, one of the handles broke off in my hand. Ouch. Here's the replacement part that I need to get.

http://www.a1poolparts.com/-strse-2569/ ... Detail.bok

What can I do to make the valves easier to turn? Is there any way to lubricate these?

Below pictures of tool I use to 1) take the top off the pump pot, and 2) turn my one ancient ball valve. I haven't found any better tool for either. :-D

 

[Bama Rambler]

Your best bet is to buy union ball valves. They can be disassembled and lubricated when needed.

 

[spishex]

It's not a serviceable valve (aside from replacing the handle). When you're ready to take on a plumbing job you could replace it with either a union-style valve as Bama said, or a serviceable schedule 80 valve like the ones made by Jandy, Waterway, Pentair, etc. The stronger plastic allows for smaller moving parts which leads to less friction. Much easier to use.