Most swimming pools filtration plant has a multiport control valve to allow various filter operations. The following Instructions describe its basic operations.

Instructions for Multiport valve operation

The pump must be running for each operation

NB Turn off the pump before moving the backwash valve

Open the valve (if fitted) on the waste line

Some pools have flexible hose backwash pipes. These must be unrolled preferably into a drain, before any waste operation.

The backwash cycle

Switch off pump

Open waste line valve (if fitted)

Turn multiport valve handle to backwash (opposite filter)

Switch on pump

Watch colour of waste water until clear

Switch off pump

Turn multiport valve handle to rinse

Switch on pump

Run for approximately 30 seconds

Switch off pump

Turn multiport valve handle to filter

Close waste pipe valve (if fitted)

Switch on pump

END

To vacuum through the filter

Close sump valve

If two skimmers are fitted, close one with a blanking plug or swivel plate, or if separate pipes, turn off one skimmer valve

Use a vacuum plate (kornea) and the skimmer basket

Ensure the vacuum hose is full of water by holding over a return jet or feeding vertically into the pool

Put the unattached end into the vacuum plate and start the pump (check the hose is still in position

Vacuum the pool methodically

If suction becomes poor remove the hose and vacuum plate, open the sump valve and backwash the filter

When vacuuming is complete open the valves and unplug the skimmer as necessary. Empty the skimmer basket

Store the vacuum hose in a cool dark place to extend its life.

To vacuum to waste

This is useful if there is algae dust on the pool floor which could travel through the filter media and cloud the pool.

You will lose about 15-18 cm (6-8 inches) of water and will need to watch the level at the skimmer carefully and avoid sucking in air and de-priming the pump

Switch off the pump

Open the waste pipe valve (if fitted)

Turn the multiport valve handle to waste

Close the sump valve

Set up the vacuuming equipment as in vacuuming through the skimmer

Switch on the pump

Take care that the water level does not fall below the skimmer inlet. If level is low, stop and top up the pool water level.

When complete switch off the pump

Open the sump valve and skimmer

Turn the multiport handle back to filter

Empty the pump basket, re-fit, seal, and prime with water.

(In some cases, it may be necessary to have the skimmer and sump valves closed to prime the pump, and if this is so then the pump must be switched on and one valve opened at the same time. The other valve should be opened very slowly once the pump has primed. Refer to the Installers Handbook or contact us if you are in doubt.)

Quick Reminders for New Pool Owners

The pump and skimmer baskets will need to be emptied before and after either of the preceding vacuuming programmes, and before backwashing

When vacuuming make sure that the hose cuffs are under water to ensure that air is not drawn into the system thus de-priming the pump

When loading the vacuum hose into the pool ensure that it is full of water by either feeding it vertically into the pool one end first and working your way to the other, or holding the loose end over a return jet with the pump running. This is to ensure that the pump is not de-primed (no water to the pump) by the air in the vacuum pipe

On completion of operations close the waste line valve (if fitted).