This morning the spa turned on instead of the pool

[ron_jeremy]

I double checked all the program groups and everything is good, controller time is correct, etc. Any idea why the spa turns on but the pool won't?

Looking at the equipment I only see one valve actuator turn (the one close to pool pump) when I cycle through various modes (pool, spa, spa fill, spa drain, etc.). Moving the toggle switches on each actuator only the one near the pump moves -- the other actuator does nothing.

I did a bit of research and found that it might not be the valve motor actuator but something called a limit switch. Does that sound correct and is there any way for me to test it? Also, how can I turn the valve manually for now to get the pool going?

 

[mknauss]

Take the handle off using the thumbscrew. Then take out the four screws for the actuator. DO NOT screw them in to the valve without the actuator, it will break the valve body. Put the handle on the valve and manually turn it.

It may be a limit switch. It could be the oring is dried out on the stem that comes through the actuator top. Try taking the actuator apart and lubricating the stem.

Valve Actuators - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ron_jeremy]

Hi @mknauss thanks for the help. I removed the thumb screw, handle, and the 4 screws, and as soon as I started wiggling the cover to remove it the valve started working before I even had the cover off.

Weird, huh? Anything I should look at while the cover is off?

 

[mknauss]

Lubricate where the stem comes through the top of the actuator.
It may have been the valve orings are dry too. How old is the valve? You may consider getting an oring kit for the valves and doing some maintenance on them.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Ron,

The limit switches almost always start off being intermittent before they go bad for good.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ron_jeremy]

I pulled both actuators apart and lubed everything up. Fingers crossed!