How To Install a Diverter Valve on the Suction Side of a Pool

Things You’ll Need

• Diverter Valves

Step 1

A 3-way Diverter Valve is assembled at the manufacturer so that the valve operates between the two ports away from the inlet port. In the picture at the left, the valve handle is turned all the way counter-clockwise to stop and close off the left port (skimmers). Water will only flow from the right port (main drain) through to the inlet port going to the pump.

Step 2

In this picture, the valve handle is turned all the way clockwise to stop and close off the right port (main drain). Water will now only flow from the skimmers to the pool pump. In either case, the handle cannot be turned to pass the stops to shut off the inlet port. This is important because if the inlet port is shut off, no water can flow to the pump: the pump will run dry and start to generate dangerous internal pressure.

Step 3

The picture at the left shows the normal operational position for the suction valve. With the handle place halfway between the left and right port, water is allowed to flow freely from both ports through the inlet port to the pool pump.

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Step 4

Some valves like this popular Jandy valve are designed to engage either 1 1/2" or 2" pipe. This picture shows the 1 1/2" pipe option with the pipe slipping into the port opening.

Step 5

This picture shows the 2" pipe option. A 2" coupler slips over the port and the 2" pipe fits into the coupler.

Step 6

When installing a value, you must first remove the internal valve assemble before gluing the valve body to the pipe. This will ensure that you don't accidentally glue the internal valve parts together. To remove the internal valve assembly, first, loosen the lock knob on top of the handle and move the handle halfway between the two upper ports. This will make it easier to pull the assembly out of the valve body. Now remove all 8 screws.

Step 7

Grab the valve handle and pull the valve assembly out of the valve body. You may have to rock the handle a bit to release the assembly.

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Step 8

The next step is to cut the pipe to the length required. Remember when measuring the length of the pipe, allow an extra 3\4 " to 1 1/2 " on each end for the overlap into the fittings (varies by fitting). You can use a regular hacksaw to cut the pipe. Just try to cut the pipe as squarely as possible.

Step 9

When you finish cutting off the pipe, be sure to file off the rough edges on both the outside and inside of the pipe. A file with one side flat and one side rounded works well.

Step 10

Now you are ready to attach the pipe. This is usually a two-step process. First put a thin coat of purple primer on both pieces to be joined: inside the port and the outside of the pipe. Make sure that all joining surfaces are covered and make sure that no primer enters the valve body beyond the ports. After the primer has dried, reapply the two surfaces with Universal CPVC glue. Again make sure that no glue enters the valve body beyond the ports. The CPVC glue and purple primer are usually sold together as a kit.

Step 11

Immediately after applying the glue, insert the pipe as far as possible into the valve port and turn the pipe 1/4 turn to spread the glue evenly. If any glue oozes into the valve body, wipe it out before it dries.

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Step 12

Repeat Steps 8 - 11 to add pipes to the other two ports.

Step 13

To reassemble the valve, make sure that the "INLET" label on the valve assembly lines up with the lower port going to the pool pump. Replace the valve assembly and screw in the 8 screws. Hand tighten.

Step 14

Complete the valve installation by attaching the three pipes coming out of the valve to their suction pipes. You will probably need to add 90-degree elbows to the pipes coming out of the ground from the skimmers and main drain. The picture at the left shows the end result of a typical valve installation for a basic pool.

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