Swimming pools require a lot of different equipment to build. However, the most important parts are valves. They are integral to the plumbing system of a pool. The importance of valves in swimming pools is that they make sure that the water can pass through the filter without any dirt or debris getting back to the pool itself. We will go over the most commonly used valves in pools and what you should know about them.
Swimming Pool Valves
As we mentioned already, the main role of pool valves in the plumbing system of a swimming pool is to prevent any dirt or debris from getting back into the clean water. That being said, a pool plumbing system consists of three main parts. These parts make sure that the circulation is automatic as well as the filtration of the water. These parts are:
The suction side has the role of pulling the water into the system so it can circulate. This includes main drains, suction lines, and skimmers.
The filler system is here to clean and process the water that has passed the suction side. This system consists of a pump, filter, pre-filter, chlorinator, and heater.
The return side takes the water that has been processed and cleaned back to the pool. It is done so through jets and return lines.
In order to keep the pool nice and clean so it remains healthy and safe for use, it is important that you have a good filtration system and a good circulation system. With the help of valves, you can make sure that the whole process moves as it should.
Being a mechanical component of the plumbing system in a pool, valves regulate the direction of the flow. They determine the direction of water guiding it to a filter, heater, and finally back into the pool.
Different types of valves
There are a few types of valves that are mostly used in the plumbing systems for pools. These include ball valves, check valves and gate valves.
Gate Valves
When it comes to the gate valves, their job is to regulate the water flow with a rotational mechanism. They are usually perpendicular to the pipes. They are most commonly used to open and close the supply lines for the swimming pool.
Pool Ball Valves
Compared to gate valves, ball valves are much easier to install and most importantly maintain. These valves can be activated both manually as well as electrically with an external activator. There are different ball valves. First, there are multiport ball valves. These valves are attached to the system’s filter and have three main purposes. These are to direct water so it can be cleaned in the filter, run it back through the filter, and expel the water while the waste is being vacuumed out. These valves can also circulate water without passing it through a filter. The most notable feature is that it has a winter setting. This way, no water can pass through to the pipes which eliminates freezing and stops a lot of potential damage.
Diverter ball valves are used to redirect the flow of the water. This is usually from one part of the system to another one. These valves can either be used to divert water from the filter to the heater or from the heater to the pool. They can be used as both above-ground as well as in-ground valves.
3-way ball valves have three ports. Depending on the requirements, if the water arrived at port one, it is possible to move it to the outlet of port two or three. These valves are most commonly used to turn off the bottom drain skimmer.
Actuated ball valves
These valves have a power source that allows them to operate. Most commonly used are the 24-volt actuators for various pool applications. They have push-button commands that are automated which control one or maybe even more converter valves. This valve can be installed on the diverter valve or in the control box.
With a simple switch, you can redirect the flow as you require it. These valves can save a lot of time and effort when it comes to setup.
Pool Check Valves
There are two types of check valves that are most commonly used in pools. These are a spring check valve and a flapper check valve.
As the name suggests, a spring check valve is a valve with a spring that assists with the closing. On the other hand, flapper check valves automatically close themselves when the check valve stops receiving any liquid. These valves are positioned near the main drain in order to stop any backflow when the pump stops as this water can ruin the quality of the water that is already in the tank.
