Help - Can I Swap Out My Multiport Valve Myself?

[BrianMars]

So I've been having problems with my Hayward SP0710X32 valve, which is probably 15 years old. It was leaking out the waste line, so I figured I'd replace the spider gasket, but I found several of the internal plastic walls/diverters are warped, and one is cracked where it holds the gasket. I went ahead and replaced the gasket and then the handle spring because it wasn't turning easily. Well, now it leaks out around the center of the handle when in filter mode. It figures. So in addition to an internal defect, the handle assembly leaks so I'm just going to chuck it and get a new one.:?

I can have a direct exact replacement valve shipped to my house in a couple days, and I am just wondering how hard is it to take off the old one and put in the new? For example, I know how to take all the fittings off and everything, but is there any step-by-step guide, like drain the sand filter first, and do this to prevent leaks, etc.? I'm handy enough I can do things like this myself, but this is new to me and I'd prefer not to wing it...or should I call the pool store for service?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Ted527]

Should just be straight forward plumbing
Teflon tape or paste on pipe threads and tighten enough that it won't leak but not enough to crack anything.
Never saw the inside of a sand filter but i don't think you need to empty it, just release pressure.

 

[RonsPlc]

I changed mine out last year (it might have been the year before... they all REALLY DO run together when you get older!).

As long as it is an EXACT replacement, all you should have to do is lift the old one straight up off of the filter body, and the stand pipe in the middle, then lower the new one back down onto everything... Re-connect your piping, and you are done... I think it took me all of about 10 minutes.

If you can replace the spider gasket, this will be a piece if cake.

 

[kj5kb]

Agreed on that---I replaced my S244T filter with a new one for multiple reasons...but that's the process.

Check online prices on a whole new sand filter before ordering just the valve. You may be surprised. I think I paid $260 for a complete S244T shipped.

 

[BrianMars]

Well I figured out what the leak around the handle was - there was a little O-ring on the post that the handle connects to that had deteriorated. Replaced that and no more leak from the handle. At least now I can run the filter until the new valve gets here. My Hayward valve is the kind that connects to the side of the Sand filter, not the top. It's a pretty big filter (Hayward S-200) and I don't intend on replacing that because there's nothing wrong with it. Just the valve, which is about $150 online.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[pypeke]

I just replaced my top mount Hayward S-244T variflow valve. Super easy to replace. $84.00 including the 2 gaskets and the gauge. Ours was leaking just like yours.

I am surprised they had an exact match for your filter. We had to get a newer model. (We also bought new laterals for $65.00. There is nothing else to replace so it is a lot cheaper than buying a new filter.)

We also had to redo the plumbing from pump to filter since the in/out locations were different. It was easy though and we know nothing about plumbing.

Sand and water stayed inside our filter, but ours is a top mount. Maybe someone else will answer that question for you.

 

[BrianMars]

Thanks for your input.