Multiport Valve Settings Demystified

Multiport Valve Settings Demystified

Today we look at Multiport Valves, defining the valve functions, or valve settings to know which to use, and when and why to use them.

Multiport valves are called multi-ports because inside the valve, there are multiple ports that allow the water to move in multiple directions. Pool water always enters the valve thru the “PUMP” port, but depending on the handle position, the water enters the filter tank through the top bulkhead or bottom bulkhead. Also dependent on the handle position, water exiting the valve either uses the “RETURN” port or the “WASTE” port.

1. The FILTER Position:

This is the normal setting for your filter valve. Water is pulled from the pool by your pool pump and pushed into the “PUMP” port of the multiport valve where it enters the filter tank. On sand filters, water enters at the top of the tank, and for DE filters, water enters at the bottom of the tank. After passing through the filter media, the water exits the tank again into the multiport valve, leaving through the “RETURN” port, and back to your pool.

Another use of the “Filter” setting is while vacuuming the pool of debris large enough for the filter or pump basket to remove. You will want to use the next setting if vacuuming dead algae, silty mud or flocculent treatments, or other such fine filter clogging material.

2. The WASTE Position:

The most common scenario in which you would use a multiport valve “Waste” setting is when lowering pool water levels. Waste diverts the water pumped in from your pool from the filter and sends it directly out of the backwash hose, without even entering the filter tank. It’s one of two ‘Bypass’ settings on a multiport valve.

The other common instance in which you would use the “Waste” setting is when you are vacuuming debris that is too fine for the filter media to capture. Have you ever vacuumed your pool on the “Filter” setting only to notice a few hours later that a fine, almost sand-like sediment has collected at the bottom of your pool? This is not uncommon for sand filters, which can have trouble trapping very small particles.

3. The CLOSED Position:

Simple enough, “Closed” is a position that won’t let water enter the valve, and is the most rarely used position of all. The pool pump should never be turned on when the MPV (pool guy shorthand) is in the ‘Closed” position, something could blow out!

The “Closed” position is sometimes used when blowing out suction lines during winterization, to direct air flow back to the pool. It could also be used to stop water flow into the tank for filters that are below water level. In both cases however, there are usually other valves that can be used to accomplish the same thing.

 4. The BACKWASH Position:

The “Backwash” setting reverses the flow of water in and out of the filter tank. During normal filtration, on the “Filter” setting, water moves through the filter in one direction – top to bottom for sand filters, and bottom to top for DE filters. When the MPV handle is moved 180° to the “Backwash” position, water flow is reversed as it enters and exits the filter tank. And, when the water leaves the filter tank and re-enters the MPV, it is directed out the “WASTE” port, instead of the “RETURN” port.

Backwash a filter when the pressure gauge reads 7-9 psi above the clean operating pressure. Run the pump for 2-4 minutes, discharging through a backwash hose until the water in the sight glass, or at the end of the hose, is no longer dirty or cloudy.

5. The RECIRCULATE Position:

The “Recirculate” setting is another bypass setting like “Waste”, where the water does not enter the filter tank at all. After the water enters the MPV it makes a quick U-turn, and exits the valve out of the “RETURN” port, returning to the pool unfiltered.

The best use of the “Recirculate” position is when your pool filter is broken, leaking or otherwise cannot be used. In many such cases, the “Recirculate” position will allow you to at least circulate and chlorinate the water, to prevent stagnation and algae, until the filter can be repaired or replaced. This position may also be used when blowing out the lines, to avoid unnecessary high air pressure inside the filter tank. “Recirculate” is also used when adding Alum or other flocculents to improve water clarity.

6. The RINSE Position:

If you have ever vacuumed your pool spotlessly, and then after backwashing, sent a cloud of dirty water shooting into the pool, we have an app for that – the “Rinse” setting on a multiport valve. This position moves water through the filter tank in the normal direction (top to bottom for sand, bottom to top for DE), but when the water re-enters the MPV, it is directed out the WASTE port, not RETURN.

The “Rinse” position is used after backwashing a sand filter, to flush out or rinse the sand bed of remaining dust particles. 15-20 seconds is all that is needed to re-set and rinse a filter sand bed. DE filters with small holes in the grids or cracks in the manifold may also benefit from a rinse after backwashing, but outside of that, “Rinse” is not normally used after backwashing DE filters.

7. The WINTER Position:

The “Winter” or Winterize setting is used when it’s time to close your pool for the season. You will notice that this position is not actually a position at all, but is a location in-between two positions – there is no groove to lock the handle in place. What the winter position does is to ‘prop-up’ the valve diverter (aka rotor or footpad), raising it above the ‘multi-ports’ inside of the valve.

In this position, with the internal spring compressed, the diverter remains in a suspended position all winter, held 1/4″ above the valve body ports. This allows space for any water trapped inside the valve to expand into ice during winter, without cracking the valve body.


Multiport valves are available in top mount design with flange attachment for sand filters, and in a side mounted design with bulkhead unions, for sand and DE filters.

Multiports are full featured, but may require multiport valve repairs from time to time. We have a full selection of multiport valve parts, and filter valve rebuild kits, containing gaskets, o-rings and seals.

One more TIP: Be sure to always shut off the pump before turning the MPV handle. Changing positions while the pump is running can damage the valve, or cause something to blow out under pressure.

53 thoughts on “Multiport Valve Settings Demystified

  1. Christine Koerner

    Hello,

    My pool pump has only four settings: Rinse, Backwash, Winterize and Filter. No “closed” setting. Which should I use for emptying the pump filter basket to prevent tons of water spillage?

    • Hi Christine, I guess backwash and then close the suction valve, or if there is no shut-off valve, you would plug the pool lines. And if you plug the return line too, then no need to turn the filter valve handle. You could install some threaded slice valves and some hose adapters, or the Hayward SP0729 one on each hose, if the plug idea does not work too well for you.

  2. Hi! Do you have any idea where I could locate a 6 way valve for a Intex Sand Filter. I broke the handle but can’t figure out how to replace the handle. So, I thought I would just buy the whole part (6 way valve and tank cover). I can’t find one on Ebay, Amazon, Walmart and IntexCorp itself. Please advise if there is a generic that will fit.

    • Vickie, sounds like you have checked the usual places, I would have recommended IntexCorp. I would suggest constructing a new handle from wood, to get thru the summer.

  3. My new 6 way valve for above ground pool, intex pump 14″ sand filter is stuck and we can not move it. it is stuck on filter at least.
    Can not find the part for intex. can we use another brand and which is similar? we have a 32x16x52 size pool.

    • Hi Laura, no you cannot use a different valve. Open up the valve by removing the screws on top, it might be clogged with sand. It could also be hard to move from the weight of the water from the pool, close shut-off valves if you have them, or plug the lines at the pool to remove the pressure. Turning a multiport can sometimes be hard to do in general, requiring some strength, and it can be a bit awkward in that you have to push down and turn at the same time.

  4. Doug Hawley

    Just opened and the circulator is “weak” – flow is just not strong. There are no leaves or debris in the water or skimmer basket so I wonder if there are leaves blocking the filters near the motor. What should I set the Hayward to to open it up?

    • Hi Doug, if the pressure is lower than normal, the impeller may be clogged, or a clog or blockage (or closed valve) exists on the “suction side”, before the impeller. If the pressure is higher than normal, look for a dirty filter or obstruction on the ‘pressure side’, after the impeller, which can include the filter. Set the multiport on Recirculate to bypass the pool filter (or Waste, also a bypass setting), and see how the flow is – if the flow (suction/pressure) is good on these settings, the problem is inside the filter tank. If flow is poor on those settings, and also Filter and Backwash, the problem is not the filter, but something before or after the filter.

  5. We purchasewde a 15″ round that came with a sand filter. When I shut the power dand block the skimmer basket, I then go and put the dial on CLOSE, but there still is some small flow of water coming out.

    Should this be doing this?

    I would think closed means no water at all.

    Thanks

    • Hi Joe, on the filter valve CLOSED should mean Closed. And if you close the valve in front of the pump basket, or plug the skimmer pipe, it should stop water flow and just spill a small amount when opening the pump basket. The valve may be leaky, either one, or the plug on the skimmer may be leaky.

  6. Bill Cronk

    We have a Spa Boost port with a threaded plug in it. Could we add a pipe and use this for a Waste Port.

  7. Will a Quad DE Filter Valve work on a regular DE filter?

    • Hi Dean, multiport valves are specific to the filter model, and type (sand or DE) and are not generally interchangeable, with some exception. Quad filters are unusual, in that they actually use the Pentair Triton (sand filter) valves, 261055, 261050 or 261173. As such, any of those would not fit on other make/model DE filters, which have opposite bulkhead arrangements, (water in on bottom port, water out on top port). Quad and Triton, have water in on top port, water out on bottom port (port=bulkhead). Which explains the DE inside of the grids and also explains the cloudy water, from your other comment.

      • Hi Davy

        I switched the valve to the ‘Waste’ for the sand filter and turned on the pump. But I did not see any pool water passing the pump. Can you please tell me why?

        Thanks

        Alex

        • Hi, you can check that there is no additional valve on the waste line (usually not), or a cap on the end of the backwash pipe, or that the backwash hose is rolled out, if applicable. Otherwise, your pump may have ‘lost prime’, and needs to be refilled with water and restarted perhaps.

  8. What will happen if the valve is in the winter position and the pump is turned back on?

    • Hi Geoff, the WINTER position on a multiport valve is labeled CLOSED in other filter valves. But is slightly different. Winter or Winterize will raise the rotor up slightly, from the base of the valve body, to allow room for any water to expand into ice, inside the valve ports. If the pump is turned on while in Winter position, I’m not sure what would happen. If the rotor is raised slightly, some water should push through the filter, slowly. But there will also be excess back pressure, possibly enough to ‘blow a gasket’, or cause some plumbing problems, if the pump is powerful enough. If just for a few seconds, likely no problem will occur

  9. Debra Smith

    Hi, what setting should the pump be on when I open the filter basket closest to the pump? It says it should be full of water when pump is on, but both filter and backwash settings empty the filter basket water.

    • Hi Debra, that may be considered normal, that water runs out of the pump when opened for cleaning. You can place the filter multiport valve on CLOSED, just before opening, and close the other system valves (skimmer, main drain, return…), which can help for systems located several feet above the pool water level…

  10. Richard Rice

    I have a Hayward VariFlow XL multi-function. There is an online valve on the waste port. Obviously it needs to be open during backwash but when should it be closed? What purpose does it serve?

    • Hi Richard, the valve on the waste line, that is a way to solve a leaking multiport valve. Not a good way, the better way is to fix the spider gasket or other internal problems. But at some point in the past, someone installed that valve, as a way to stop the valve from leaking water out of the waste port, when on the filter setting. If it does not leak when the valve is in the filter position, you can leave the valve open all the time. You can also remove the handle, so no one will close it accidentally. IF the filter was backwashed, but the valve was not opened, it could damage the filter or possibly cause injury.

  11. katina smith

    we just replaced the handle on a hayward proseries. everything seems to work properly except for the backwash. there is no pressure and no water in the sight glass. water is being backwashed slowly as i can see it comeing out of waste pipe. when the handle is on waste, the water flow is fast and lots of water is coming out which leads me to believe nothing is clogged in those waste lines. any suggestions? again everything works fine expect the backwash.

    • Hi Katina, I would guess that the rotor (aka diverter) was not replaced in the same position to the lid, so that backwash is not fully backwashing. During replacement of the handle, my guess is that the rotor (aka footpad) was turned slightly, and is not aligning with the backwash port correctly, when the handle is in the backwash position. Make sense? Disassemble the valve, remove the handle, make sure the rotor is in the right position in relation to the ports and the lid (there are no published diagrams), and then replace the handle again.

  12. Hey Davy,
    OLd filter head started leaking. Found a good used unit. But the handle was broken. Took the handle off old unit and installed on newer unit. BUT, forgot to keep my alignment correct. SO, I think the handle may be 180. When all is correct, does the selector cone inside that has the double size port line up with the double size port on the body make it in the filter position?

    • Hi Larry, if you just reversed the handle, but did not flip the valve cover, or the valve diverter (aka rotor or footpad, or ‘selector cone’), then no problem – other than the label on the cover being backwards. When in backwash position, it’s really the filter position, and vice-versa. Most valve covers/body are notched to prevent backwards installation of the entire key assembly (handle, cover, rotor), but it is possible to put it on backwards with some valves. I can’t tell you exactly how the ports line up in your valve in relation to the rotor, but what you say makes sense, I think? When in filter position, the water will exit the valve through the many holes in the baffle, and enter the tank. Water exits the tank and re-enters the valve in the center bottom, from the standpipe connected to the laterals. Hope that helps.

  13. A read in a comment on a product review that the MPV must always be rotated in a CW direction. Is this true and if so, why.

    • Hi Wayne, I don’t think it makes a difference, but being consistent in direction may be… most people rotate clockwise I would think, but yeah it doesn’t matter – you just want to be clean and smooth in turning the valve, with the handle pushed down the entire time, to avoid snagging the gasket with the rotor. And of course always turn the pump OFF before turning the valve – which does matter! Thanks Wayne, good question!

      • Scott Morad

        I recently ran into a situation where it did matter. While taking care of a friend’s place while they were traveling, after performing a backwash and going back and forth with the handle, the valve started leaking to the waste port….because of wear and tear on the valve. So, a “healthy” MPV won’t care but an older one may. This may be why a “habit” of one direction is encouraged.

  14. It seems that our valve label is reversed, Filter = Backwash… So when trying to figure out other settings – I am assuming I don’t actually use a “slot” for winter – it will be the space in between Rinse & Filter – or when labeled with my new labels – between Waste & Closed – would that be correct??

    • Hi Shannon, that sounds correct. The winter setting is not actually a slot, but a place that will hold the rotor (aka diverter) 1/4″ above the bottom of the valve, to allow for any ice expansion inside the valve.

  15. My multi port valve when set to filter does not work.
    all other settings (back wash, rinse, recirculate, waste)but when I set it to filter, I get no flow. Any suggestions ?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Mike, that is a puzzler! Did you dissassemble the valve recently, and put the ‘key assy’ back inside the housing incorrectly? The rotor or footpad, must be placed correctly in relation to the lid. Another possibility is that there is something stuck inside the valve. Since everything else works, I don’t think the sand is bad or calcified. Must be … and since everything else works, if the valve rotor should not be reversed… So, I’m going with something loose inside of the valve? Pull off the 6 bolts and pull out the ‘key assy’ to see if you can spot something inside of the valve. If top mount valve, check for something lodged inside the standpipe perhaps? Good question, I’m a little stumped but I seem to remember something like this happening… years ago… if it comes to me I’ll add it here!

  16. Our Multiport valve whenever it is in Filter setting some water is coming out from the drain pipe. I have instead closed the isolation valve. Will this affect the pool operation or some of the components of the sand filter? Thanks!

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, if you mean an isolation valve on the waste line, closing it will stop the leak problem, but yes it can affect filtration, in that it can allow some water to bypass the filter perhaps, and return to the pool unfiltered. Most of the water is being filtered, but when water is leaking into the waste port, it could also leak into the return port. No rush, but when you can, remove the ‘key assembly’ of the MPV, by removing all the screws and pulling up on the handle (some slight prying may be needed), to lift it out of the valve body. Then inspect the spider gasket, it is likely twisted or torn around the edges of the waste port, or may be worn down flat. Inspect the spring under the lid for breakage, especially if you have a ‘floppy handle’, the spring may be broken and the gasket may be fine. And sometimes, it’s just a small stick or sand stuck on the gasket in the waste port area, which can often be flushed out without removing the key assy, by pushing down on the handle, and letting water wash over the gasket.

  17. Heewon Park

    Our pool has a Triton II TR60 sand filter system with a SM10-3 multiport valve. About a month ago, we decided to replace the MPV and purchased a new Pentair 261177 MPV. After installation, we found the new MPV is for DE filter systems. Would it work on our sand filter system?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Heewon, it won’t work – DE filter multiport valves and sand filter multiport valves are not interchangeable – this is because the water enters a sand filter tank thru the Top hole (bulkhead fitting) and exits thru the Bottom bulkhead. DE filters are the opposite, water enters the tank thru the bottom and exits thru the top hole ( in the side of the tank ). And because the valve is installed already, it likely cannot be returned to your supplier, sorry to say. 🙁

      • Chris Chambless

        Actually there should be a caveat here, because the MPV Pentair sells for the Quad DE filters (261055) are the same configuration (top in bottom out) as Triton sand filters and will work on either.

  18. We have a Hayward Multiported valve in top of our sand filter . When changing our spider gasket it says put in winterizarion which we do not have on our valve. To compress tge spring should we just put the vave in an inbetween spot in tge valve

    • Hi Paul, that’s correct, put it in an in-between position, which is what the winterize position does, it lifts the rotor/footpad/diverter off of the spider gasket.

  19. I have a Starite sand filter for an inground 35,000 gallon pool. An overnight storm blew a deck umbrella into the filter knocking the handle halfway between the rinse and filter setting. About 1/4 of the water drained before I discovered it, causing the water level to drop below the skimmer. The pump was drawing from the main drain as well, so I don’t think the pump ran completely dry. I brought the water level back up and the pump seems to be working, but the filter is leaking out of the waste port when the filter is running. Did unforeseen damage happen to the pump? Is the MPV damaged?

    • Hi Ronn, inside the multiport, there is a spider gasket, shaped like a spider web or wagon wheel. This is primarily what keeps water from leaking out the waste line. Secondly, there is a spring under the handle, which is what provides tension to the handle, and holds the rotor or diverter firmly against the spider gasket, also to prevent leakage between ports. So, shut the pump off, and open the air bleeder. then remove all the screws around the mpv lid, and lift up on the handle. You may need to pry gently, and just pull the whole assembly (key assembly) out of the valve body. Then you can inspect the gasket, especially next to the waste port. it may be nicked, cut, twisted, broken. It may be repairable, or you may need a new gasket. Secondly check the spring under the handle, looking for damage or breakage to the stainless steel spring. Note: if the handle still has tension and is not ‘floppy’, the spring may be oK. You can buy gaskets or go-kits for the particular starite valve, and can also buy the entire ‘key assembly’, or the entire valve if needed, but you may need no parts at all, Sometimes just resetting the gasket stops small multiport leaks, and sometimes, esp. after backwashing, it’s just a small stick or leaf stuck between the gasket and the diverter/rotor. Just pushing down on the handle tends to flush the debris out, in those lucky cases.

  20. Eddie Holmes

    I have a Sandman NE6145 filter system. The MPV doesn’t have a WASTE setting. Do I use BACKWASH instead?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, to lower the water level, from too much rain, you can use Backwash setting. Just don’t vacuum using backwash, or in other words, you can’t vacuum to waste with your system…

      • Marisela Cisneros-Quinto

        Can’t sleep searching andnherebis my answer. The onlynproblem is that the manual says not to backwash for more than a minute. Very frustrating. My husband has been wasting with rinse!!! I asked him not to do it. Otherwise, this is a very good little pump for my 5,000 gal ATG pool.

        • Hi Marisela, it won’t hurt to backwash for longer than a minute, other than maybe lose another tbls of sand. With such small filters, sand should be replaced every 1-2 years.

  21. Paul Clifford

    Hello, my multiport value does not have writing on the settings—instead there are three settings: full port 1, full port 2, and 1/2. what settings do i use for normal usage, and vacuuming? thank you in advance. just bought house with pool.

    • Hi Paul, that’s not actually a multiport valve, well it is – but not what we normally call a multiport. That is a Hayward directional valve called the Dial-A-Flo valve, it is used to control flow from two pipes, like main drain and skimmer, (port 1 and port 2), so you can go full drain or full skimmer, or 1/2 for both at the same time. For vacuuming, you would turn the valve handle to point to the port that you are vacuuming from. You can remark the Ports to SK and MD, to make it easier to understand. For normal operation, somewhere around 1/2, to split the flow bettween main drain and skimmer.

  22. the waste wont stop running water even after we placed port back to filter

    • Hi tanny, that would be a faulty spider gasket inside the multiport. Remove all screws on cover and lift lid/handle out to inspect the wagon wheel shaped gasket. You can sometimes re-glue the rubber gasket back into the groove, or it is all split up and twisted, replace the spider gasket, with a new one, glue into place with silicone or superglue or gorilla glue, whatever really. You can plug the waste line temporarily to stop the leaking until you repair, use a threaded SP1022C type plug with o-ring.

  23. ted cleveland

    is it critical to remove rust before installing liner?????

    • Hi Ted, Rust can stain the liner or bleed thru if it continues to rust, so yes it could be a problem. light rust can be sanded and then coated with a rustoleum paint or something. Heavy rust should be covered in wall foam before installing the liner. If isolated to one spot, you can also scrape/paint and then cover with a piece of sheet metal, with rounded beveled edges, duct taped to the wall.

  24. I have a Hayward Sand filter and pump with strainer now that came with my 33′ round above ground pool. I would like to know if I can plumb in an Intex Saltwater system to it (like Walmart sells) to convert mine over easily and for pretty cheap. I know it says there Max is 15k gallons and my pool is 26k gallons but I figure that’s because of the smaller filter and pump they use.

    • Hi Paul, 33′ round is a big pool, and for that size, I would recommend a 24″ diameter sand filter. A 15″ is just going to give you problems, with water clarity, algae. Or, you’ll have to run the pump twice as long, and replace the sand twice as often, and use more chemicals…. So, although you can do it, I would stick with Hayward, and not convert to Intex, if you want my opinion.

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