Freezing valve leak

[wgmamc11]

I’ve just discovered my automated return valve apparently had a leak that froze into a nice icicle. In pool mode it’s set about halfway to allow spillover, and water is still flowing from all returns. Should I let it ride as-is, or should I shut everything off and drain? Have another 24hrs below freezing and then freezing nights after that.
Would a valve rebuild kit likely fix the leak, provided the body isn’t cracked? If the body is cracked, looks like I’ll have to replace a lot since nowhere to cut out this valve body. Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

If the body isn't cracked, you might get away with just valve O-rings (stem and top seals). If water is still flowing well, I would be inclined to not mess with it. Monitor to ensure water continues to flow through the valve adequately.

 

[Jimrahbe]

11,

I agree with Pat. I'd just set the little 3-way valve switch to the middle off position.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[wgmamc11]

Thanks y’all. Now I’m seeing my drain valve is stuck or maybe the spa drain line itself is frozen somewhere. I don’t seem to be getting any flow from spa drain. If I can manually turn that valve, should I just set both drain & return to halfway manually?

My freeze protect alternates 30mins each Pool (100% Pool drain, returns 50/50) and Spa (spa drain and returns only).

 

[ajw22]

should I just set both drain & return to halfway manually?

Setting your drain valve halfway will probably cause your spa to drain.

 

[wgmamc11]

Ok, so the drain valve is not frozen and turns manually. Good flow from both pipes. However, the actuator won’t turn the valve automatically. I did check that the shaft is engaged in the gear train. It tries to run with a kind of grinding noise, but the diverter doesn’t turn. Do I likely need a new actuator/gear train? I believe it’s a Jandy 4424.

 

[ajw22]

Ok, so the drain valve is not frozen and turns manually. Good flow from both pipes. However, the actuator won’t turn the valve automatically. I did check that the shaft is engaged in the gear train. It tries to run with a kind of grinding noise, but the diverter doesn’t turn. Do I likely need a new actuator/gear train? I believe it’s a Jandy 4424.

Remove the actuator from the valve and adjust the valve manually.

Put the toggle switch for the actuator in the middle OFF position.

Once things warm up you can examine the internal condition of the actuator.

Valve Actuators - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[wgmamc11]

Thanks for all the help! I set the returns 50/50 and set the drain to keep a little flow thru the spa but still maintain a spillover. I wrapped the spa piping in towels and tarped the equipment to hopefully compensate the low flow.