A pool filter valve works by diverting the flow of water to perform different functions, most commonly filtering your pool water.
A pool filter valve, often a multiport valve, is a crucial control device typically found on top of or on the side of your pool's sand or DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filter. Think of it as the brain of your filter system, directing where the water goes from your pool pump. It uses internal channels and a handle or lever that, when turned, aligns different ports to create specific water paths through the filter tank or bypass it entirely.
How it Routes Water
The valve has multiple ports connected to the pump, the filter tank (top and bottom), the pool return lines, and sometimes a waste line. By turning the handle, you select a specific setting, which moves a diverter (like a disc or gate) inside the valve body. This diverter opens and closes different internal passages, routing the water flow in the desired direction for various operations.
The Primary Mode: Filter
As noted in the reference, the Filter setting is the default and most common position for the valve. In this mode:
- Pool water enters the filter from the pump.
- And flows through the filter media, such as sand or DE powder, which traps dirt and debris.
- Clean water then flows from the bottom of the filter tank back up through the valve and is returned to the pool.
This constant circulation and filtration process keeps your pool water clear and clean.
Other Useful Settings
Multiport valves offer several other positions, each serving a specific purpose:
- Backwash: Reverses water flow through the filter media to flush out accumulated debris, sending it to the waste line. Essential for cleaning sand and DE filters.
- Rinse: Used after backwashing sand filters to settle the sand bed and flush residual dirty water to waste before returning to Filter mode.
- Waste/Drain: Sends water directly out of the pool to the waste line, bypassing the filter. Useful for lowering the water level or vacuuming heavy debris that you don't want going into the filter.
- Closed: Shuts off all flow through the valve. Used when performing maintenance on the filter or pump, but never run the pump with the valve in this position unless specifically instructed for your system.
- Recirculate/Bypass: Circulates pool water without going through the filter media. Useful if the filter is broken but you need to keep the water moving, or sometimes when adding chemicals.
Understanding these positions allows you to operate your pool filter system effectively for cleaning and maintenance.
