Occasionally after years of use, the valve spring may break or become weak. When this happens the spider gasket will not seal properly and your valve may start leaking into the wrong ports. This guide shows you how to replace the spring in your pool multiport valve. This guide is written showing a Hayward Multiport Valve; however, the content is applicable to most other valves.
Please click here to view the most common multiport valves. 
Kip Posted: 11/21/2021
Can you restretch the spring on a Pentair 272526. The handle is sloppy, as it does not lock back down in any position. Would a loose handle cause some loss in performance? As in 20 to 30% less suction. Hate to replace top of valve only to find a different problem is why the Lady bug is so slow.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/22/2021
A loose valve spring / jiggly handle is most likely to cause a leak out of your waste line. It may cause a loss of flow, but that would be primarily due to water being allowed to split off into the waste line. So I'd get a new spring for the 272526 valve and do some troubleshooting to find the real source of the drop in water pressure. How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool SystemReply
Wendy Friree Taft Posted: 8/13/2021
My handle broke as I was turning from Backwash to a rinse cycle how do I know what position the port has the water going to it seems to be in between backwash to rinse or to filter we still have water coming out the discharge pipe as if it was on waist or backwash! Help help pleaseReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/17/2021
First, turn off your pump. You are wasting water and risking running your pump dry. Second, if the water is flowing out of all the ports, knowing which handle is set to wouldn't help because it sounds like the diverter is just floating in the valve body. Without a handle to leverage it into place with the help of the spring, the water is not going to go where you want it to. In short, you need to replace the handle.Reply
Wendy Posted: 8/21/2021
Thank you so much for your comments and help it’s greatly appreciated it ended up being a pretty simple fix my husband replaced it and everything is working perfectly knock on wood!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/23/2021
You're welcome, and thanks for reading! Sounds like you got a keeper :)Reply
michael b Posted: 6/16/2021
Hi I am replacing the spider gasket, and handle spring on Hayward pump , with recently purchased parts from INVO, which should I replace first. Thanks,Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/17/2021
It depends if you want to do the easy part first or last. The easiest is the spider gasket unless the gasket is glued into the diverter. If it is, then you are essentially doing the spring and the spider gasket simultaneously as you need to remove both to service either of those parts.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/17/2017
Kyle - Here is our link to the Hayward Multiport Variflo XL 1 1/2" SP714T parts list. Note, the SP0714T1 is the same as the SP714T without the mounting clamp.Reply
Bill Posted: 5/23/2019
Can the spring be repaired while toe filter has water in it?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 5/23/2019
Yes, it can be repaired if there is water in the filter. If you have an above ground pool, close off the valves so that water doesn't continue to pour out of the filter.Reply
Kyle Posted: 9/14/2017
Do you have a parts list for the spring, spring washers, shaft o rings, and the plastic washer under the handle? I would like to replace them all while i have it apart. By the way, my valve number is sp0714t1. Im having a hard time finding these prts and my spider gasket is leaking and allowing water to go into my back wash hose. Thank you.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/11/2017
Anonymous (leaky MPV) - Yes, if the MPV is that old and you are taking the upper part of the valve apart, I would replace everything that is in that kit.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/7/2017
I have a Pentair - Pac Fab 2" HI Flow Multiport Model valve that is leaking at the top if the valve around the handle stem.I was looking at replacement parts and noticed that there is a kit that will replace the gasket, o ring, washers, and spring. Is it safe to assume that all of these parts should be replaced if I am going to open up the valve. The valve is 25 years old and never been serviced or repaired. Suggestions ?????
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/18/2017
Anonymous (MPV spring) - If your MPV handle does not come up firm when you change modes, you may have a weak or broken spring that would need to be replaced. Also, be aware that when changing from backwash to rinse, you will not see any difference in water flow. In both modes, water will exit through the waste port.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/16/2017
What would make my handle not stay tight after putting it into a different spot ex: when going from backwash to rinse the water still comes out like it's still in backwash modeReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/17/2017
Melissa - Try replacing the spring the next time you replace the key assembly. Also, when you change the mode on your MPV, do you turn off the pump first? And many dealers say to only rotate the handle in one direction, like clockwise, every time you change mode.Reply
Melissa Posted: 6/16/2017
For 3 years, I have had leaking out the backwash port when trying to filter every spring. Every spring, I replace the key assembly and each time it works for just that year. It seems like something else is going on here? Any suggestions on what else could be the problem?Thanks!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/6/2017
drew5200 - Not sure what you are doing. When you vacuum are you using a suction cleaner and are you in "Filter" mode? And in this mode, some water is leaking into the waste line and the water that is supposed to be filtered is going out the returns dirty? Check that your new spider gasket is still good. You might have to glue it in. Inside the tank check the standpipe, the laterals and the lateral hub for cracks.Reply
drew5200 Posted: 6/5/2017
I replaced spider casket part sp0714cMy backwash line still leaks When I vacuum it blows back into pool yuck.It never has dirty water when I back wash. Pool water stays blue but cloudyReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/18/2017
Christi - Most people are gluing in the gaskets to keep them from rolling out. Try just putting a dab of glue at the major intersections of the grooves. Also when you move the handle to change mode, be consistent in moving it in the same direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise.Reply
Christi Posted: 5/17/2017
We just replaced all of this without problem and it worked fine for about a day. It has once again started letting water out of the backwash line. Went back to the pool place and was told it should've been super glued in. Any suggestions other than glue? Please help!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/15/2017
mike - There are one or two o-rings that fit in the groove(s) on the shaft of the key assembly. It sounds like these may be damaged of missing.Reply
mike Posted: 5/11/2017
Hello, the decal on my multiport valve was so faded i didn't know what port i had dialed in. i got a new top. i removed the handle, replaced the top plastic piece and put the handle back on. i then put it back in place and tighten the eight bolts. i now am getting leaking through the top of the multiport valve. Does it sound like a bad spider gasket? I don't see any other seal that could have failed. thanks, MReply
dlab Posted: 7/30/2016
There are two rubber O-rings and a yellow C-ring on the stem that are not supplied with purchase of spider gasket assembly. Make sure you take those off the old one before re-installing.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/28/2016
broken washer - You have to relieve the pressure on the pin caused by the spring. One person suggested placing the handle in the `"Winterize" position to relieve the spring pressure. Then you can punch the pin out. See his further suggestions in the ~ seventh comment in this guide under "Pool Guy". Note: You apparently don't have to unscrew the top of the valve to access the washer.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/28/2016
If I want to only change the washer, can I simply leave everything in tact, and remove the handle by knocking out the pin, lift the handle off the shaft, remove the broken washer, replace the broken washer and replace the handle? Or do I have to remove the valve, and disassemble it before changing the washer?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/26/2016
jim - Unfortunately, we do not carry the Intex model SF20110 pool pump and motor. You may be able to find pump parts on the Internet.Reply
jim Posted: 6/24/2016
I have a Intex model SF20110 pool pump and motor. The motor was overheating and shutting off. I opened it up and found the plastic fan at the rear of the motor had every blade broken off. Where can I buy just that plastic fan. bearings seem to be OKReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/10/2016
Terry - Sounds like a good place to start. There are some valve stem O-rings and washers there too that may have failed.Reply
Terry Posted: 6/9/2016
I replaced my spider gasket completely but now I have water coming out of my filter handle I think it's my spring is rusted ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 11/6/2015
pool guy - Thank you for suggesting this easier alternate approach to removing the handle off of the multiport valve. We are always looking for easier ways to repair equipment. I will incorporate it into this guide.Reply
pool guy Posted: 11/5/2015
I would like to suggest an easier alternative step to remove the handle from the multi-port valve.Instead of removing the top of the multiport valve from the body of the valve by removing the screws I would suggest taking time to mark a reference point on the top and side of the valve assembly to make sure that when you replace the top back on to the body that the two parts go back together in the proper position.
Next rotate the handle clockwise to the winterized position so that the pin in the handle has the ability to slide out of the handle without coming in contact with the top of the multi-port valve housing.
If you look at the head of the pin you should be able to tell if the surface area of the head of the pin is larger or smaller than the head of the opposite end of the pin.
If so, then use a nail or hole punch and a small hammer to gently tap the end of the pin that has the smaller surface area and drive the pin out of the hole in the handle.
Then remove the handle and the plastic washer. Then remove the screws and lift the top off of the bottom of the housing.
Remove and replace the spring and washers and spider gasket, if needed.
Then reassemble the top of the valve back onto the bottom of the valve housing. Reinsert the screws, reposition the handle and gently tap the pin back into its normal position. (small end in first) Be sure to tap it in, in the opposite direction that it came out. Another words, if you tapped it out from left to right be sure to tap it in from right to left.
Then the task is complete.
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/30/2015
filter top - If by a "new top for my sand filter", you mean the multiport valve, then yes the spring is included in the valve.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/28/2015
I have ordered a new top for my sand filter, does the spring come with it?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/27/2015
tom - If you can't remove the spring to replace it, you generally have the option of buying the top assembly to the valve. But that costs almost the same as a new valve so at that point I would get a new valve.Reply
tom Posted: 5/26/2015
My spring is rusted so bad it wont move. It wont let the handle set securelyReply
Anonymous Posted: 10/21/2014
The spring can be more easily compressed using a pair of clamps with squeezable "pistol grips" for tightening. I purchased these years ago at Sears.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/29/2013
DT - If water is coming out the waste line on all settings, check the following. You may have a broken or weak spring that prevents the gasket from sealing or the new gasket you just replaced is damaged again. Make sure you turn off the pump before rotating the handle. Then check for cracks in the body of the valve between the ports.Reply
DT Posted: 7/28/2013
I had to replace the bottom of the multi valve port - the piece with the spider gasket. No matter which setting I put it on - all settings have a back wash return. I went back and they changed the set up = but it still backwashes - or water comes out of the backwash pipe.. Suggestions?Reply