Return Manifold Valve Needed?

[Ben502]

I have a single old leaky gate valve in front of the manifold for my 3 return jets for my 30K gallon pool. Each of my supply side feeds (2 skimmers, bottom drain) have recently replaced ball valves. Question is: Do I need a valve in front of my 3 return jets? Not sure why I would ever use it and its just one more thing that can go bad. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Show us some pics of what your equipment, valves and manifold looks like.

 

[Ben502]

Attached are some pics of the old valve and new setup. The return manifold pipes are a bit offset, so they were previously plumbed with 3 90s. I will be replacing those 90s with some spa flex, but not sure if I need to or should replace the valve. It would provide on/off for the 3 returns. I would not have individual return control. This all started with the old valve leaking....

Old valve...


3 90s, due to pipe offset


new setup (valve not yet installed), 90s replaced with spa flex


filter, heater and booster. 3-way Jandy for heater bypass with check valve and flow viz.

 

[ajw22]

I can’t get a mental picture of your water flow from the pictures. Maybe someone else can.

Jandy valves will last a lot longer and be able to be rebuilt then the ball valves you are using.