Adjust jandy valve actuator manually to a position?

[pcm2a]

I am getting some work done on the flagstone on my spa and I need to have the spa empty for 2 days. I can drain the spa but I would like to run the pool pump during this time. In the photo there is a yellow circle around the jandy actuator. If I could rotate that valve 180 degrees it would stop any water from going to the spa. I will also turn the blue circle to off so suction wont happen from the spa.

My question is, if I unscrew the actuator, can I put the handle back on (without the actuator) and manually rotate it to any position or will I have to open the valve housing up?

 

[mknauss]

You can. Or, follow what is shown in Valve Actuators - Further Reading
Manual Override, Power Off (Jandy and should work for others)

1. Move toggle switch located on the bottom of actuator to the OFF (center) position.[12]
2. Unscrew (counterclockwise) the locking knob above the handle four (4) full turns.
3. Push down on the locking knob (not the handle). This will disengage the gear train and allow the handle, and thus the valve diverter, to be moved to any position.
4. To return the actuator to automatic position, pull up on the handle while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise until you feel the shaft slide up into the gear train. Turn the locking knob down (clockwise) until snug.
5. Put toggle switch back to the original position.

You may also just be able to change the toggle switch to the opposite setting and it will turn the valve to the other setting.

 

[Rossterman]

You can simply move the valve using the toggle switch if the limits provide full movement. When it is in the correct position, return the toggle to the middle position. Leave it there until you work is done than put toggle back in original position so valve will return to normal running position.

 

[pcm2a]

Wow the manual operation mode is fantastic, I had no idea! Thanks so much, I will test this out in the morning.

I can't use the automatic positions because it's a two way and the two ways are spa + pool (pool mode) and everything into the spa (spa mode).