Hayward multiport valve 'sheared off' after less than a year

[jemc2]

So we just had the sand replaced in our Hayward filter, and they claimed the bottom of the gasket is 'sheared off' leading to about 30% of our unfiltered water going back into the pool without filtration. I just replaced the entire thing (of course it's one of the ones that I can't just replace the rubber gasket, it all comes in one piece for $100 instead of $12-20) less than a year ago. How reasonable is this? The pool guy says it's relatively normal, but really, I don't think I should have to replace the entire $100 multiport valve with handle every year, that seems excessive! When I get home I am going to take it off and look at it myself to confirm... But assuming it IS in fact damaged, I am wondering if you all can tell me, is there a way that I could replace it with the type that you can just replace the gasket yearly, instead of the entire thing?

They told me its likely because of moving the handle when the pump is on, but that's not possible unless I have a little goblin doing this in the middle of the night. I personally do all the backwashing and I even always turn it the same direction because of some advice I saw on here. So if this is really how often I'll have to change the stupid valve, I'd love to change it out for one with a replaceable gasket.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[kimkats]

OUCH! I hope we can find something out so you don't have to deal with this again! I am going to put in a call to someone who many know. Give them a few to get online and answer.

Kim

 

[zea3]

I have never heard that was an issue with Hayward. If I understand you correctly the spider gasket is what is being "sheared off"? As far as I know problems with the spider gasket cause water to come out the backwash line when the valve is in the filter position, or it allows sand to enter the pool. Was there a problem with the pool? Why did you have to replace the sand? Post a picture of the problem and we can tell you if it looks bad or not. The gasket should be firmly adhered to the valve and it shouldn't have any nicks or tears in the rubber. It should also be about 1/4" thick at its thickest.

Usually with Hayward multiport valves you can replace the key assembly which includes the gasket for much less than a whole new valve. What is the model number of the valve?

 

[MarinaMargaret]

I agree with zea3. Let me know the model number on the valve and/or a picture and I can try to figure out what's going on or if there is a part or what's called a gasket "go-kit" to fix the problem in the future.

 

[JamesW]

The multiport gasket should last for years. If it's failing often, the most likely cause is a nearby tab feeder that leaks chlorine into the multiport when the pump is off.

Another reason for early failure of a multiport is sand and grit getting in when vacuuming. A skimmer sock or kneehi stocking can be used to catch sand in the skimmer basket while vacuuming.

Assuming that you have a SP714 top mount multiport, you can replace just the diverter part number SP-714-CA vs the whole assembly part number SP-714-BA.

 

[jemc2]

Here are some pictures.
I dont personally vacuum using the skimmer but I think the pool guy might. He also recommended against the pool sock that another guy at the store recommended so I'm getting a lot of mixed messages from this place now ..sadly they are my 3rd pool service and I had the best luck with them up until now.

 

[jemc2]

I was told I can replace a part of it but the part is 65 vs the whole thing being 100. Which is why I'm trying to see if I can get the type of valve that a gasket only could be replaced.

 

[jemc2]

Oh I forgot to answer about the sand. We have been struggling with this pool for some time because we both work a ton and I just wanted someone else to deal with it so I could have more time to get other things done, ane since I had managed the chemistries etc myself for close to a year it seemed like not a 'problem' pool anymore. I was apparently wrong because after a few weeks the water started to turn green fairly quickly after the service guy came, like within 3 days once. We complained and then I was told that our sand needed replacing because they saw sand coming out of the inlets and settling on the bottom of the pool. So since I'm fairly certain the guy we bought the house from was just shocking the pool every time there was a showing (see other posts a year ago about CYA >300), I assume he hadnt replaced the sand anytime in the last 10 years, so we did it. And now since the sand was changed, after 2 weeks it starts to look greenish again and they have a new excuse (the multiport valve gasket).

 

[JamesW]

You can get the diverter for $26 and it should last for years.

Yours doesn't look too bad, but it's hard to tell.

Excessive flow can overcompress the gasket. Make sure that the flow rate does not exceed the filter rated flow and keep pressure below 20 psi. The IntelliFlo can easily exceed the rated flow rates of the filter. You should never run it anywhere near full speed.

Chlorine from a tab feeder can destroy a gasket in no time. If you have a tab feeder, consider getting rid of it or running the pump continuously.

Sand and large grit can damage the gasket. Make sure to use a skimmer sock to catch sand and small rocks.

Algae is caused by only one thing, low fc relative to the CYA, period.

Filter problems will not cause algae. You can remove the filter and never get algae as long as the fc is maintained.

If you want good water quality, get a TF-100 and follow pool school guidelines.

 

[jemc2]

Yeah I know that's what I should do ideally but I am just sick of dealing with the pool myself. Nobody else in our neighborhood seems to have issues with their pool service so I thought it would work. Sadly it looks like I might have to take on the responsibility again.

 

[jemc2]

I just want to find a pool service that follows these protocols so I don't have to do it all myself [emoji23]

 

[kimkats]

There, there, there...(pats jem on the back)........we hear ya but if you want TFP clear water you have to do it.

I tried pucks some this summer and did NOT like how my water looked. It was not as clear and shiny as it was when I use liquid chlorine. The pucks are only used when we are away on trips from now on.

Kim

 

[jemc2]

This place actually uses liquid chlorine (the only place in town I could buy it in concentrated form so I could avoid endless bleach bottles), so that's why I gave their service a try. I am trying to find other things to eliminate from daily tasks so I can resume care of the pool myself