Okay to operate valves while pump running?

[wdsheffer]

The specific question is: do I need to shut off my Intelliflo pump to adjust a 3-port Jandy Never Lube valve?

In more detail: I finally figured out what this return piping is for (pictured). The right side is labeled "Spa Fountain" and should divert water to the port in the center of my spa floor, though I haven't tried it yet. The left is un-labeled, but I opened it and found it feeds two aerators in the pool. Up to now, I've been careful to turn off the Intelliflo pump before operating the 3-port diverters to switch the suction and return between Pool and Spa, based on what the previous owners said. But when it comes to this fountain/aerator piping, I'm not sure whether it's a bad idea to repeatedly shut the pump off and on trying to make minor adjustments to spray height. Is it a bad practice to adjust these valves while the pump is running? The majority of flow is still running to the returns in the pool and spa, so I can't see accidently creating a bad backflow situation.

 

[proavia]

As long as you turn it slowly, you should be fine.
No telling why they plumbed it in before the filter though.

 

[wdsheffer]

As long as you turn it slowly, you should be fine.

Is that also true when switching the other valves between "Pool" and "Spa"?

No telling why they plumbed it in before the filter though.

I wondered the same thing. Like those lines were an afterthought?

I also wondered why there's a two port valve on the fountain line. My best guess is with the 3-port sending water only to the fountain, the 2-port can throttle the fountain. With the 2-port closed, the 3-port can be used to throttle water to the aerators.

 

[dfwnoob]

If they're installed properly (read: they can't close off the inlet side and deadhead the pump), there's no risk to moving them with the pump running.

 

[Jimrahbe]

WD,

I don't see any problems moving valve positions when the pump is running.

Obviously, you don't want to turn any valve that completely shuts off the water flow, other than that, I see no issues.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[1poolman1]

The specific question is: do I need to shut off my Intelliflo pump to adjust a 3-port Jandy Never Lube valve?

In more detail: I finally figured out what this return piping is for (pictured). The right side is labeled "Spa Fountain" and should divert water to the port in the center of my spa floor, though I haven't tried it yet. The left is un-labeled, but I opened it and found it feeds two aerators in the pool. Up to now, I've been careful to turn off the Intelliflo pump before operating the 3-port diverters to switch the suction and return between Pool and Spa, based on what the previous owners said. But when it comes to this fountain/aerator piping, I'm not sure whether it's a bad idea to repeatedly shut the pump off and on trying to make minor adjustments to spray height. Is it a bad practice to adjust these valves while the pump is running? The majority of flow is still running to the returns in the pool and spa, so I can't see accidently creating a bad backflow situation.

View attachment 522231

The recommendation has always been that it is best to have the pump off, that's why pools with automation turn the pump off when switching from pool to spa, or back, unless you change the setting. "Allow pump to run while valves move" is a setting in some systems.
However, as proavia mentioned, moving the valve slowly seems to not cause problems. Do it quickly and you'll see the pipes rattle. I've seen "water hammer" blow a glued fitting apart, probably a bad glue joint.