Zodiac 4424 Valve Actuator Replacement

[jobybett]

Hi,

I need to replace my really old, Valve Actuators, it looks like the Jandy and Pentair ones are ~$200 Amazon has 3rd-party ones Swimables, TORK, and Intermatic for $50 to $100 less. I know you almost always get what you pay for, but does anyone have any experience good/bad with the lesser named brands? Are there any gotchas with them?

 

[jobybett]

I swore I used the search, but just found this thread.... Replacement Actuator (Pentair vs. Tork) - Quality Difference?

 

[mknauss]

Be sure to use the screws that come with a new actuator. The screw lengths can be different for each actuator and you can crack the valve body.

Repairing the actuator is pretty easy. Most likely you have failed limit switches. Cheap. And easy. See the Wiki that was linked in that other thread.

 

[jobybett]

Thanks for the tip, yes will do. They both actually still work fine, but are super old. I'm completely rebuilding the pad after laying new pavers, with new 3-ways and a new heater. I thought I'd splurge and get new actuators as well, and I wanted a 3rd for the heater bypass too

 

[mknauss]

If they are working, I would not replace them. They should last many years. I have a supply of limit switches and change out both in an actuator when one fails.

 

[BMerrill]

Really like the Pentair Intellevalve. Easy to set up, and to manually operate.

 

[mknauss]

Really like the Pentair Intellevalve. Easy to set up, and to manually operate.

Lots of early in life failures of the Inellivalves have been reported. The case is not well sealed and moisture intrusion has caused failures. One member was repairing them. Do a search.