Pool filtering systems are classified as cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth (DE). A multiport valve is used in sand and DE filters to clean or backflush the filter medium. Multiport valves are not available on cartridge filters. By removing the cartridge and spraying it with a garden hose, these filters may be cleaned. Filter, backwash, rinse, waste, closed, recirculate, and winter are the seven settings of a standard multiport valve. The purpose of these settings is explained in this guide, which also shows how they circulate water in a conventional sand filter. The operation of a DE multiport valve is quite similar to that of a single-port valve.
Multiport Valve Settings #
Multiport valve settings might be perplexing, especially if you have no idea what all those pool filter valve positions even mean. Most sand filters and D.E. filters today have a multiport valve. It allows you to route water from the pump in a variety of ways, including through or around your filter. Let’s walk through the various settings and discuss what they do.
FILTER #
90% of the time during operation, this is the setting you should keep it on. This is the default setting for filtration and vacuuming.
RINSE #
After backwashing, use this setting for 10-15 seconds to rinse the valve, or you may get dust thrown back into your pool.
RECIRCULATE #
To circumvent the filter, use this setting. The water is returned to the pool without being filtered after passing through the valve from the pump. This is a setting that we don’t use very often. It can be used to keep the water moving while repairing a filter or to mix up pool chemicals you’ve added.
BACKWASH #
To reverse the flow of water through the filter and out the waste line, use this option. The filter will be cleaned as a result of this. If you have one, make sure the backwash hose is rolled out. In this job, you should never vacuum. A video of a backwash demonstration may be seen here.
CLOSED #
Used to close all ports of the valve so that the pump basket can be emptied when the pool is substantially higher than the pump. When the valve is closed, the pump cannot be operated.
WASTE/DRAIN #
Instead of returning the water to the pool, this setting bypasses the filter and sends it out the waste pipe (or hose). When there is a lot of dirt or dead algae on the bottom of the pool, this option is used to reduce the pool water level or to suction to waste.
