One of the most common problems pool owners run across when maintaining and serving their swimming pool is a leaking backwash valve. The backwash valve is the valve which is mounted on either the top or side of your filter tank and are specifically used clean sand filters or DE filters. One of the most popular filter manufactures in the world is Hayward Pool Products who also makes quite a few backwash valves. Based on the Hayward valve you have the fix varies slightly. This guide will help you determine which Hayward valve you have and then determine the proper fix for your situation.
The first step you will take when determining how to fix your valve will be to obtain the model # of your valve. Typically this is located on the label on the top of the valve, normally there is a box named model no. and the valve # will be located in this box. The majority of Hayward valve part #’s start with this prefix SP7
If you are having trouble finding the valve # on the label then you may be able to find a SP or SPX part # molded into the plastic of the body of the valve or the handle. Feel free to post a comment at the bottom of this guide with as much information about your filter as possible and we should be able to help identify your valve. Helpful information for us would be any part #’s off of the valve, the filter manufacture name, the filter model name, filter model #, filter square footage, number of positions the valve can be set to, plumbing size going into the valve and filter type (i.e. sand filter or D.E filter). Any or all of this information will help out a lot.
If you have one of the following Hayward valves which is leaking then the appropriate fix would be to replace the spider gasket within the valve. Here is a detailed guide on How to Replace a spider gasket, this guide will walk you through all the steps needed to fix your backwash valve.
The following 1.5" Hayward valves can be fixed by simply replacing the spider gasket. The appropriate spider gasket for the valves below is the SPX0710XD.
SP711-13, SP710XALL, SP7122, SP7121, SPX0710X32, SP0710X62, SP0710XR50
The following 2" Hayward valves can be fixed by simply replacing the spider gasket. The appropriate spider gasket for the valves below is the SPX0715XD with the exception of the SP0740DE which uses the SPX0740D spider gasket.
SP715ALL, SPX715X32, SP0715X62, SP0715XR50, SP071621, SP071620T, SP0740DE
If you have any of the model #'s above then purchase the SPX0710XD or SPX0715XD spider gasket and move on to our How to Replace a spider gasket guide for easy step by step instructions on replacing the gasket.
If you have the SP0714T valve or any other model #'s then move on to step # 4 of this guide.
The most common Hayward backwash valve is the SP0714T valve which is used on many of the Hayward top mount sand filters. If you have the SP0714T valve then the spider gasket cannot be replaced as it comes glued into the diverter on the valve. The appropriate fix for a leaking SP0714T valve would be to replace the diverter (part # SPX0714CA) which comes with the spider gasket glued into it. This is an easy enough fix, you would just need to remove the cover and handle assembly from the current valve and and swap out with the new diverter.
The last style of Hayward valve is called a slide valve or plunger valve. The two most common model #'s for this valve are the SP0410X602S and the SP0410X502S. If you have either of these model #'s then the appropriate fix would be replace the gaskets within the valve using the following valve tune up kit There are also a few other fixes the Hayward Slide valve which have detailed in the guides below:
How to maintain a Hayward slide valve
How to replace a Hayward slide valve handle & piston assembly
How to replace a Hayward slide valve O-ring
If you are still having trouble determining the fix for your Hayward backwash valve then please comment below with the information indicated in step #2 and we will let you know the appropriate fix. Also feel free to call us toll free at 1-877-372-6038 or connect with us on Live Chat with any questions.
InyoPools Posted: 08/27/2018 16:04 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Vivian - The Hayward S166T filter uses the SP0714T valve. See Step 4 above.
vivian Posted: 08/26/2018 14:09 PM
I have a Hayward S166T pro series high rate sand filler with 6 different settings and its leaking when I turn back to off I need the part number for that seal.
Matthew Posted: 08/20/2018 13:19 PM
Hello Tracy - The SP0714G11M is the valve number. The parts diagram can be found on this page: Hayward Multiport Variflo XL 1 1/2" SP714T.
Tracy R. Posted: 08/17/2018 8:25 AM
I have a Hayward SPO714G11M sand filter with 6 different settings and it's leaking from everywhere it seems. I need the part numbers for all the seals I can get. Thank you for your time
Matthew Posted: 08/08/2018 14:55 PM
Hello Eli - if your spider gasket is completely missing, that would be a glaring reason as to why your valve is leaking from the backwash port. The S210T usually uses the SP0714T valve which has its spider gasket glued into the bottom of the diverter. If it is not there, then you need to replace it with the SPX0714CA.
Matthew Posted: 08/07/2018 13:02 PM
Hello Joan - The most common valve used on the S180T is the SP714T Variflo. The replacement rotor with gasket is part number SP0714CA.
Matthew Posted: 08/07/2018 12:56 PM
Hello Buck - As we cover in this guide, the issue is likely a back spider gasket, spring or a combination of malfunctioning parts.
Matthew Posted: 08/07/2018 11:44 AM
The most common valve for the S166T Hayward Top Mount Sand Filter is the SP714T Variflo XL. The Key-Cover assembly is key 4, (SPX0714BA) or the diverter with gasket is key 9 (SPX0714CA) on the parts list.
Inyopools Posted: 07/18/2018 11:35 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Scott - The locknut on the SP0715XR50 is not replaceable. Those locknuts are placed on the valve pipes before the pipes are sonically welded into the base of the multiport. You wouldn't be able to put a new locknut on without damaging the plumbing for the valve. Some sites have the SX200R listed as a replacement locknut for the SP0715XR50 valve. The SX200R is the locknut that's used but you can't add it to an existing valve.
Jayne Posted: 06/27/2018 14:19 PM
My valve looks exactly as pictured valve. The only difference is the serial number and model number boxes are blank (perhaps they wore off.) The backwash hose is leaking constantly no matter what position is selected on the valve. Further info on my filter for which I indicated the model number is blank: the filter model is S166T.
Buck Posted: 06/24/2018 20:59 PM
Our top valve is pouring water out on any setting once the filter is turned n. Why?
Joan Posted: 06/23/2018 21:36 PM
I have a hayward S180T92S and the backwash hose is on top of the filter and is leaking water badly. what gasket # would I need if thats really what I need Thanks Joan
Kai Posted: 06/19/2018 13:12 PM
I have a Hayward SP715XR50 Valve. It is jammed and I can't rotate it to the flush position. I did take all of the screws out and the valve insert came up about 1/2 inch but I was not able to get it out with a moderate amount of force. I was a little reluctant to try prying it out since I was afraid of damaging the housing. previously it took more force than normal to rotate to the flush position and then back to the normal position.
Anonymous Posted: 06/01/2018 16:14 PM
Have a very old Hayward Pro Series IS-210T-98 and getting water out of the backwash hose. Doesn't appear to have a spider gasket by looking at the owner's guide (yes I still have it 12 years later!). What am I looking at that could be wrong and need to be replaced? Thank you!
Inyopools Posted: 05/18/2018 17:17 PM Inyo Product Specialist
My guess would be that the spider gasket is already pinched. Make sure you only turn the valve handle when the pump is off. Also, only turn the valve in one direction. This means always turn it clockwise or counterclockwise.
Don Nelsonb Posted: 05/18/2018 10:33 AM
I replaced the Hayward multiport valve and it still leaking bad out the backwash. Any ideas?
Scott Posted: 05/10/2018 17:46 PM
I have the Hayward SP0715XR50 and have a leaking bulkhead locknut. Are these replaceable with out replacing the whole valve assembly? Thanks
Inyopools Posted: 05/09/2018 17:44 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Helen - The spider gasket in your valve probably needs to be replaced. The replacement gasket for the Hayward SP0710XR50 is part number 4700-10X.
Helen Posted: 05/09/2018 17:18 PM
I have. Spo710xr50 Hayward vari-flo valve. When I put it on the recirculating setting the backwash hose leaks. How do I fix this?
Inyopools Posted: 05/08/2018 14:17 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Steve - The S220T2 comes with a 2" multiport valve. The spider gasket for that valve is part number 4701-10.
Steve Posted: 05/04/2018 18:16 PM
Hi again. The filter model number is S220T2 - Hayward Pro Series High Rate Sand Filter. Thanks!
Inyopools Posted: 05/04/2018 17:02 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Steve - What is the model of your filter? This should help us determine the exact valve model.
InyoPools Posted: 05/04/2018 7:51 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Hi, Chase. I haven't came across an issue like this. It does sound like something is either installed wrong or like you said sized wrong. To resolve this issue, you can either take the Key Cover Assembly completely apart and inspect it or replace the key cover assembly. We be glad to assist you with resolving this issue. You can email us pictures of your valve along with the model number to upload@inyopools.com.
Steve Posted: 05/03/2018 20:24 PM
I also have a leak out of the waste port.Model no. has faded on label. Molded number under handle is SP-710X-F, while molded number on bottom of seal is SP0714C.
Inyopools Posted: 05/03/2018 16:15 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Gabi - The 6 spoke spider gasket used on SP710 valves from 1969-1975 is part number 4700-10. The 5 spoke gasket used on models since then is part number 4700-10X.
Gabi Posted: 05/03/2018 11:15 AM
Hi, I have a Hayward vari flo Sp710 from the 1970ies. What kind of spider gasket do I need?
Chase Posted: 04/28/2018 12:01 PM
I have a sp740de that had a busted spider gasket and what I assumed was a bad spring since my handle was floppy. Turns out the spring was fine, but I replaced it anyway. The key assembly works fine when it isn't attached to the valve body, spring compresses diffuser rotates, spring decompresses and pushes it back down. But the act of attaching it to the valve body it compresses the spring completely and the handle goes floppy. So I have a complete seal and it works fine, but every time I'm changing the valve position i'm dragging the spider gasket along pretty hard since I can't actually lift it. I don't have any extra washers around the spring or anything like that, it's almost like something is sized wrong. Have you seen this before? Thanks, love your site.
Inyopools Posted: 03/05/2018 13:46 PM Inyo Product Specialist
John - Yes, you have a SP714 multiport valve.
John Posted: 03/02/2018 11:15 AM
My numbers are also fading, and the only thing I can see is SP714-A on the side. Does that mean I fall into the SP714 category for trying to fix the backwash leaking issue? Thanks! --John
Inyopools Posted: 02/10/2018 23:35 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Richard Reksc - This handle is common to several multiport valves. The best way to identify your MPV is to unscrew the top valve assembly and try to match the spider gasket. The SP0714 has 4 spokes, the SP0710, SP0711 and SP0712 have 5 spokes.
Richard Reksc Posted: 02/08/2018 15:14 PM
I have a Hayward Vari Flo Backwash the model number and serial numbers on the face are not legible. The handle has a number on it SPO710Z20. It has 1.5 in plumbing lines, there are 6 valve positions, it is connected to a 36 Square Foot DE Filter. The valve leaks a few drops a minute. I am trying to figure out what I would need to replace to stop the leak but I can not see the model number.
Inyopools Posted: 12/31/2017 13:41 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Eric - 1. If you have a damaged spider gasket, I do not think that would cause a problem when the pump is off. 2. Water leaking at the shaft would be caused by a worn shaft seal in the Impeller and face plate. 3. It depends on the valve. Some valves require two but others require one. If you take your valve apart and only see one washer, you can save the second washer that is included. From the parts list for SP0716, it looks like you only have one washer placed above the spring.
Eric Posted: 12/28/2017 11:55 AM
I have 3 questions please. 1. My valve is in filter position and I have a closed valve on the waste pipe. Can a leaking spider gasket cause air suction when pump is closed? When my pump is off I hear air suction at the valve shaft. 2. Can a leaking spider gasket be the cause of water leaking at the shaft, or can this only be caused by defective shaft o-rings? 3. I notice that the metal washers with the shaft spring come in a set of two. I opened my valve and could see only 1 metal washer, on top of the spring. Is this possible or should there always be another washer underneath the spring. Thanks. My valve is SP071620T
Inyopools Posted: 11/26/2017 12:12 PM Inyo Product Specialist
freddy - Please call one of our service reps at 407-834-2200. They will be happy to assist you and tell you where to send the pictures of the MPV.
freddy Posted: 11/25/2017 16:29 PM
I have a multiport valve with no model number, the only numbers on the valve body is 27-2599 6/98. I can send photos of everything, please advise, thanks
Inyopools Posted: 11/22/2017 10:47 AM Inyo Product Specialist
James - I would replace the spider gasket first to stop the leaking from the backwash port. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve". Then if you have water coming up through the handle, you may have to replace the o-rings on the shaft. See our guide on "How To Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spring" for information on accessing these O-rings on the shaft of the key assembly.
James Posted: 11/16/2017 8:59 AM
I have a Hayward SP0715XR50 backwash filter that is leaking from the backwash port and around the selector handle. Which steps above apply and which parts do I need for the repair? Thank you!
Bill Posted: 10/18/2017 4:53 AM
A follow up from my previous comment. I've looked at the replacement instructions. I don't have a Winterise position. Mine are filter, waste, closed, backwash, recirc and rinse. Which is the equivalent to use when disassembling? Thanks!
Bill Posted: 10/18/2017 4:44 AM
My model number is SP710. Am I correct in assuming that the part listed for the 1.5" models in point 3 is the one for me? Thanks!
Inyopools Posted: 10/13/2017 15:52 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Wendy - Yes, SP714 is the same valve as as SP714T.