Help ID this backwash valve

[jbak]

I just bought a house and this is the back wash valve on the pool. It looks like a simple rotate to unlock / pull up /rotate to lock/ backwash / etc. valve. But I'm not sure. It has no markings of any kind. No "Lock" "Unlock" positions... no manufacturer info... nothing. Can someone tell me how it works ? Thanks in advance !! Photos show value in run position.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

That is a slide valve - Slide Valves - Further Reading

What model filter do you have?

Step back and show us wider pics of the valve and filter. Those close ups miss details that can identify the model valve you have.

 

[oldprophet]

I just bought a house and this is the back wash valve on the pool. It looks like a simple rotate to unlock / pull up /rotate to lock/ backwash / etc. valve. But I'm not sure. It has no markings of any kind. No "Lock" "Unlock" positions... no manufacturer info... nothing. Can someone tell me how it works ? Thanks in advance !! Photos show value in run position.View attachment 488692
View attachment 488691

That's an older Pentair push -pull backwash valve. To backwash turn the valve so the cotter pln is visible and push down When done pull the piston up and turn it so that the Cotter pin locks in place

 

[jbak]

Yes pentair. I found the manual but it says nothing about turning (CCW ? degrees?), and nothing about lock/unlock. The cotter pin is always visible AFAICT. If I were to push down, it appears as though there is only 2 inch of travel available. The whole thing seems fragile so I hesitate to push too hard. So I haven't got it to move vertically yet.

Thanks for the replies !!

 

[JamesW]

There is some writing on the valve; what does it say?

 

[JamesW]

Try wiping it down with some soap to make it easier to find the writing.

 

[JamesW]

In any case, those valves stink and I would replace it with a multiport valve

Slide valves almost never work because the design is horrible.

 

[jbak]

The soap idea was interesting. I maybe could make out "open ' and "lock". Or wishful thinking. But no pointer to show which corresponded to what angle (!?) My previous pool had the same basic valve but a pointer to show current orientation. I guess I'll call the guys that did the pool inspection. Maybe I should just disassemble and figure it out from there.

 

[JamesW]

https://www.c-m-p.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/25831-11x-750-Pentair-Slide-Valve-Instructions.pdf

 

[JamesW]

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/product-related/product-manuals/pool-and-spa-equipment/valves/Two%20Position%20Slide%20Valves%20for%20Pool%20Filters%20Owners%20Manual%20English.pdf

 

[JamesW]

I can see writing on the valve, so you should be able to see it as well especially because you can see the actual valve in person.

The CMP manual is a better description of the valve and I think that it is the same operation.

In any case, I would replace the valve as they really never work properly.

A multiport valve will give you the option to Rinse and Waste as well as Filter and Backwash.

Note: Get the Sand Filter multiport and not the DE multiport.

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

Yours looks like this.

It says Open and Lock with an arrow.

 

[jbak]

Thanks James. Some liquid has been spilled on that surface and petrified over its 20 year life. So reading is really not that easy. The shrouding around the handle is gone too. It probably guided the turning process.