It is possible to speed up upkeep chores by installing a three-way diverter valve if your pool doesn’t have one. This valve is designed to divert flow from the skimmer line, the main drain — or even both at precisely the exact same time — to the pump. The 3 lines form a tee using the pump outlet forming the vertical leg of the elbow as well as the bend lines forming the horizontal legs. Together with the valve handle facing one of the outlets, the opposite outlet is closed. To alter water flow management, move the valve manage through 180 degrees and line it up using the alternate outlet. To open both horizontal ports for standard operation, line up the handle vertically using the handle facing the pump inlet.
Loosen the lock knob on top of the valve manage by undoing it a full turn in a counterclockwise direction with an adjustable wrench, and then move the handle halfway between the two inlet ports. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove all of the 8 screws securing the valve mechanism into the valve body.
Grasp the valve handle with one hand and the valve body with another. Rock the handle from side to side to loosen it and pull on the valve assembly from the valve body. This will avert PVC cement from accidentally sticking to the delicate valve assembly when you glue pipes into the body.
Line up the valve body halfway between the skimmer and drain suction lines protruding from the ground. Gauge the distance from the valve suction ports into the skimmer and drain lines, as well as the space from the valve outlet to the pump inlet port. Add 3/4 to 1 inch for the joints on each end to overlap the fittings; this will vary slightly, depending on pipe diameter and matching configuration.
Measure and mark the cut lines on the 3 schedule 40 PVC pipe segments. Use pipes which match the width of the pipes on your existing pool plumbing; these may be 1 1/2 or two inches in diameter.
Clamp the pipe at the right vise before cutting, but do not distort the pipes by over tightening the vice. Cut through the pipes back while maintaining the cut as straight as possible. Utilize a tough half-round file to remove the rough edges from the interior and outside of the cut pipes.
Apply a thin coat of purple PVC primer to both faces of every joint to be pasted while taking care to not get any on the valve body ports.
Apply a thin layer of CPVC glue to both faces on a joint, keeping it well away from valve body ports, and insert the pipe instantly into the valve port when utilizing 1 1/2-inch diameter pipe; when utilizing 2-inch diameter pipe, insert the valve body to the pipe instead.
Give the pipe a quarter turn to spread the adhesive evenly. Wipe the interior of the valve body using a rag dampened with a trace of paint thinner if any adhesive encroaches inside the port. Treat both of the other joints in precisely the exact same method.
Line up the “Inlet” label on the valve assembly together with the pump line to the vertical leg of the elbow. Slide the valve assembly to the valve body, replace the eight screws removed earlier and snug down screws down in turn without over-tightening them.
Glue 90-degree PVC pipe couplings into the ends of the skimmer and drain lines, taking care to place the couplings at right angles into the diverter valve, and allow adequate drying time.
Install the valve by curbing another ends of the downward facing 90-degree couplings into the pipes protruding from the bottom.
Complete the installation by curbing the inlet end of the pipe resulting from the diverter valve into the pump inlet port using a suitable coupling. Allow adequate drying time before beginning the pump to check for leaks and to test the valve’s actions.