How To Set Up Pool Diverter Valves - Overview

HOW A POOL CIRCULATION SYSTEM WORKS - Water is circulated around a pool/spa system by a pool pump. Water is sucked into the front end of a pump from several sources in the pool/spa. These sources vary with the complexity of the pool system but can include one or more SKIMMERS, one or more MAIN POOL DRAINS, a VACUUM LINE, and a SPA DRAIN. The pump discharges this water through a series of equipment often including a filter, a heater and a chlorinator or salt chlorine generator. At the end of this equipment string, the water is returned to the pool /spa via several paths including a set of POOL RETURNS, a SPA RETURN, a set of SPA JETS, and a variation of WATER FEATURES. This series of guides addresses how diverter valves are used to control the routing of water from these sources and destinations.

Click here to view the main drains and skimmers.

HOW A DIVERTER VALVE WORKS - Diverter valves usually come in two different types.: 2-way valves and 3-way valves. Two way valves control flow to or from one port. The valve can be used to turn the flow completely off, completely on, or anywhere in between by turning the handle through a 90° arc. A 3-way valve [pictured] has three ports: two ends and one center. By design you can close off part of all of the water flow from either end ports, but you cannot shut off the center port. The handle will only rotate 180° on the side opposite the center port.

SETUP 1 -This guide describes the setup for controlling the water flow in a very basic pool system.  The suction side controls a SKIMMER and a MAIN DRAIN. The return side controls a set of POOL RETURNS. Click "Basic Setup".to see this guide.

SETUP 2 - This guide describes the setup for controlling the water flow in a basic pool with the addition of a vacuum line. The suction side controls a SKIMMER, a MAIN DRAIN, and a VACUUM LINE. The return side controls a set of POOL RETURNS. Click "Basic Plus Setup".to see this guide.

Click here to view return eyeballs.

SETUP 3 - This guide describes the setup for controlling the water flow in a basic pool and spa system. The suction side controls a SKIMMER, a MAIN DRAIN, VACUUM LINE, and a SPA DRAIN. The return side controls a set of POOL RETURNS, a set of SPA JETS, and a SPA RETURN. Click "Basic Pool and Spa Setup" to see this guide.

SETUP 4 -This guide describes the setup for controlling the water flow in a basic pool and spa system with water features. The suction side controls a SKIMMER, a MAIN DRAIN, a VACUUM LINE, and a SPA DRAIN. The return side controls a set of POOL RETURNS,  a set of SPA JETS,a SPA RETURN, and a WATER FEATURE. Click "How To Set Up Pool Diverter Valves For Pool, Spa, Water Features".to see this guide.

Click here to view water features.

COMPLEX SETUP - For a guide on setting up a more complex cirulation systems, go to "How To Set Up In Ground Pool Equipment - Part 1 - Circulation" or "How To Set Up In Ground Pool Equipment - Part 2 - Features".