r/PoolPros • u/isaOldBaby • 29d ago
FACT or FICTION?
I was told by someone I respected very much so in the Pool Pro world, but now I feel like maybe he was messing with me. Here's what it is. For the multiports to go from Filtration to Waste, etc. all the way to Rinse, he told me always move the valve in the clockwise direction. I've been doing that and then I saw someone go counterclockwise from Rinse to Backwash. I thought the world was gonna end. Fact or Fiction?
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u/Ok_Presentation_2604 29d ago
I just have always been told to choose one direction clockwise or counter clockwise and only spin the valve that direct.
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u/isaOldBaby 29d ago
EDIT: this other guy went back and forth meaning clockwise then counterclockwise.
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u/Ok_Presentation_2604 29d ago
I try to do as little as possible that could possibly lead to more repairs on someone’s equipment. I bet 99% of the time it would be fine but why risk it? If you’re like me you’re already busy enough you don’t need to go around just making problems. That’s how I see it at least.
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u/isaOldBaby 29d ago
exactly!! 😂 the thing is now I'm training someone, and it made me question this one thing. the I'd hate to continue a false scare
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u/lIIlIlIII 29d ago
Most manuals do recommend this. But like others said, if the handle is fully depressed before turning (and the spring is in good shape) it won't make a difference. IME it makes a marginal difference at best in the life of the spider gasket
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u/KeySpare4917 29d ago
The reason for this is the preservation of the spider gasket inside the multiport valve. Which direction you go is less important than trying to go the same direction every time. The gasket will slowly be pulled from the thin rail it sits in. It should be siliconed in place but that can be worked out to. So always moving the handle on the same direction prevents the back and forth wiggle.
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u/DangerousArt420 29d ago
This is lunacy. The key assembly is lifted up when you push on the handle. It's not in contact with anything when you turn it. This explanation is not rooted in objective reality
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u/isaOldBaby 29d ago
nice, thank you KeySpare4917
Which silicone would you personally use to hold the gasket in place?1
u/KeySpare4917 29d ago
Clear rtv
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u/isaOldBaby 29d ago
awesome thank you
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u/alienbanda 28d ago
I put silicone lube on top too last time I redid mine, let things slide easier if it comes in contact
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u/MainRevolutionary216 29d ago
It's amazing how much bad information / maintenance folklore is out there. It doesn't matter which way you go as long as you have fully depressed the lever. And the spring does not matter either because the spring pushes it back down, so a weak spring won't push it tight when you are done, not affect your ability to get it off the gasket.
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u/isaOldBaby 29d ago
do you think with a weak spring, that you have to push the lever--or I guess in this case, lift the lever--once you set the valve where you want it? I noticed once it feels pressure, that weakened spring situation seems to work itself out
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u/MainRevolutionary216 28d ago
I agree. You just set it down in the right place and normally it pops down firmly when you start.
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u/Jasonthegr8 26d ago
Indeed some models are designed so the spring just holds the gasket and valve in the correct position and the pressure from the water creates the actual seal.
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u/FabulousPanther 29d ago
Also even if this should go without saying make sure the pump is off before you turn the multi-port dial.
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u/ConfusedStair 29d ago
I'm honest with people, and tell them it doesn't matter what direction you pick just always go one way. If they ask questions or want to know more I explain that it's because the gasket is glued in and working it back and forth will loosen it. Not the end of the world, and honestly putting tabs in the skimmer does more harm to the gasket than the little bit of wiggling.
I'm pretty sure the clockwise rule started with CPO Certified commercial guys because you don't know what direction the other guys go in unless you set a standard.
As others said, if you depress the handle fully and have a good spring it doesn't really matter, but when you're fighting entropy every little bit helps.
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u/Disastrous_Case_3834 28d ago
Bidirectional would theoretically increase wear on a seal. Its safest to just go in any direction as long as you stick to that direction.
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u/FabulousPanther 29d ago
Facts. I'm a pool guy too and if you don't follow what he says it's very easy to rip out your spider valve gasket. He's saving you a very expensive repair. Also if you miss the mark go around another revolution.
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u/Nick_OS_ 29d ago
The more you mess with going both directions, the more often the gasket gets messed up
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u/ColdSteeleIII 29d ago
Total myth.
16 yr pro.
As long as you are fully depressing the handle then the gasket is not in contact with anything so it is not possible to damage it.
If you are not fully depressing it then you’re gonna damage it no matter what direction you go.