how to turn the multivalve lever thingymabob

[pool mum]

I need to turn the lever on my filter from "filter" to "backwash" (pressure up from addition of DE). Am I correct in 1. turning the pump off 2. pressing down on the lever and turning it clockwise?

The darn thing won't budge for anything! I even had my husband try. I don't want to break the dang thing. I assume I'll have to remove the screws, take off the top, and clean it out? :x

Is is normal when you press down on the lever for water to come out of the filter drain?

I have a firm grasp on pool chemistry, but pool mechanics is beyond me. I still don't entirely understand all the plumbing. My husband is even less mechanically inclined that I am, ha!

 

[jblizzle]

Yes normal for water to come out when you push the handle down. It should then turn with some effort but not all your strength.

 

[AdelaidePooler]

Just checking... you are pushing on the end of the lever and not the centre hub right?
I ask as that was what I did when the pool guy on the phone said
"Do you see the lever and valve, press it down and turn it"

I tried pressing on the middle and turning the lever like it was a child proof medicine cap. It didn't work!
With the same instruction my wife did the exact same thing, so I didn't feel too much like an idiot!

 

[pool mum]

Haha! Yes, I was pressing on the end of it. I've ony had to backwash twice this summer (it's a HUUUUGE sand filter) and didn't remember it being that difficult to turn. Guess I'll have to unscrew those 2 million screws and hope I don't mess it up trying to put it back together

 

[duraleigh]

That's puzzling. The valve is usually pretty bulletproof. While it's a good idea to turn it the same way (clockwise) every time you touch it, it would be okay to try counterclockwise just enough to see it you can get it loose.

If it moves at all, I would still try to move it counter clockwise to change the mode but the little bit of opposite movement might free it and won't cause any harm.

 

[gtemkin]

Another data point if it helps. My old Americana multiport says to turn counter-clockwise only and on the label it has an arrow pointing that way.

 

[Smykowski]

Did you ever find out what brand/model the multiport is?

I took apart my hayward multiport at the beginning of this season (direction doesnt matter on those) and I sprayed a little silicone spray down the shaft and under the spring. Worked great after that.

 

[pool mum]

It's a Hayward. It's also pretty new, we got it installed last spring, and our filter and motor are kept in a shed, so they've been kept out of the elements. Seems strange it would get stuck all of the sudden. I'll try turning it back and forth one more time, then we'll have to resort to taking the thing apart. I'll report back. Thanks again!

 

[Smykowski]

If you take it apart, take it apart slowly and note the orientation so that when you put it back together, the valve does what the label says.