What is this? how important is it

[dissfigured]

I guess it is to prevent water from going down that pipe when that feature is not turned on.
But why do I care. The whole reason I ask is when I turn the spa feature on, this thing rattles incessantly and is annoying.

If I take it out, and turn that spa water feature on/off, it works fine and is silent.

I am wondering if maybe it serves a more important purpose like preventing the hot tub from draining back into the pool when the system is off?
I really don't know. Any reason I shouldn't just chunk it and put the cap back on as is?

[attachment=0:26pk7bxz]Untitled-2.jpg[/attachment:26pk7bxz]

 

[Bama Rambler]

It keeps the spa from draining back into the pool when the system is off,

 

[dissfigured]

ok, I know at times, I have come out in the morning, and the spa has drained back into the pool. Also this thing is rattling like crazy when I have the spa fountain on. Guessing I need to replace it. What is it called so I know what to ask for?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Its called an Ortega check valve. You can buy parts for it.