I'm new to the forum and initially started this in reply to a user questioning why the "multiport valve hate." However, after registering the site requested that I start a new topic so the first part below is in response to the users OP and my question is at the end.
I don't know why the contractors dislike the multiport valves, but I can tell you why I dislike my Hayward SP715XR50 multiport valve. The spider gasket has to be replaced every year or two. While I'll admit it's not that expensive to replace if you can do it yourself (and I do), but I can imagine this could be quite expensive for someone who has to hire someone to replace it every year. For a valve that retails for around $200, it sure is an unreliable, poorly designed piece of junk IMHO--and the spider gasket isn't all that I've had go wrong with this valve.
Having said that, I do like having the ability to vacuum to waste and using a multiport valve does simplify the plumbing. However, after more than a dozen years of trying to keep this valve in working order I've decided to scrap it and use something else. I've never had a push-pull type valve so I'm curious as to why so many seem to dislike this type of valve--aside from it not providing a rinse or vacuum to waste capability. I'm looking for a reliable valve that doesn't require replacing gaskets every year or two.
I was considering using a push-pull valve in conjunction with some Jandy valves to provide the ability to still rinse after backwash and vacuum to waste when desired. In the 15-20 years I've had the Jandy valve that controls the skimmer/drain input to the pump, I've never had any problems with it. However, I don't like the complexity of the plumbing (and switching) that would be required using Jandy valves. I figured it would take 5 Jandy valves to do the job.
Any advice or recommendations for a good, reliable valve or plumbing system that provides filter, backwash, rinse and vacuum to waste capability would be greatly appreciated.
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Pool Size: 20,000 gallons
Pool Type: IG Vinyl liner
Filter: Hayward 48 sq. ft DE filter
Pump: Pentair Whisperflo 2 HP single speed
Pool Built: 1979
I don't know why the contractors dislike the multiport valves, but I can tell you why I dislike my Hayward SP715XR50 multiport valve. The spider gasket has to be replaced every year or two. While I'll admit it's not that expensive to replace if you can do it yourself (and I do), but I can imagine this could be quite expensive for someone who has to hire someone to replace it every year. For a valve that retails for around $200, it sure is an unreliable, poorly designed piece of junk IMHO--and the spider gasket isn't all that I've had go wrong with this valve.
Having said that, I do like having the ability to vacuum to waste and using a multiport valve does simplify the plumbing. However, after more than a dozen years of trying to keep this valve in working order I've decided to scrap it and use something else. I've never had a push-pull type valve so I'm curious as to why so many seem to dislike this type of valve--aside from it not providing a rinse or vacuum to waste capability. I'm looking for a reliable valve that doesn't require replacing gaskets every year or two.
I was considering using a push-pull valve in conjunction with some Jandy valves to provide the ability to still rinse after backwash and vacuum to waste when desired. In the 15-20 years I've had the Jandy valve that controls the skimmer/drain input to the pump, I've never had any problems with it. However, I don't like the complexity of the plumbing (and switching) that would be required using Jandy valves. I figured it would take 5 Jandy valves to do the job.
Any advice or recommendations for a good, reliable valve or plumbing system that provides filter, backwash, rinse and vacuum to waste capability would be greatly appreciated.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pool Size: 20,000 gallons
Pool Type: IG Vinyl liner
Filter: Hayward 48 sq. ft DE filter
Pump: Pentair Whisperflo 2 HP single speed
Pool Built: 1979