How To Replace an Actuator Valve

WRITTEN BY: 

  3.17 out of 5 stars on 6 ratings
(Click on a star to add your rating)

A swimming pool actuator is an automated valve that is either connected to a swimming pool automation system or a solar heater system. These occasionally stop working and need to be replaced. There are different versions of actuators from all of the major swimming pool parts manufactures including Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, and Intermatic and all of these are universally compatible with each other.

Step by Step

Top

Step 1

First make sure there is no power going to the control box.

Step 2

The actuator is held in place by four screws and one plastic screw on the top of the handle. Do not worry if the top screw is missing this can be common. If this is the case, do not worry as this will not adversely affect the valve in any way.

Step 3

Remove the top plastic screw. The plastic handle it was over can now be pulled straight up and off.

Step 4

Next you want to remove the 4 visible screws that hold the actuator in place. The actuator can now be pulled straight up and off.

Step 5

If this actuator is connected to an automated control system, it will be connected to the circuit board. This will require you to remove the cover panel(s) of the control unit.

Step 6

Remove the 4 visible screws and remove the panel cover(s).

Step 7

A majority of systems will have the connection line marked on the board “Actuator.”

Step 8

Remove the old connection and place the old actuator and wires to the side.

Step 9

Next, Using the old connection line, install the new actuator connection to the control board.

Step 10

Before you place the new actuator onto the valve, you need to confirm that both the valves are faced in the same position. To do this place the plastic handle on the new actuator. Take note of what position the valve handle is facing.

Step 11

Next place the plastic handle onto the old valve fitting. (If they are facing the wrong direction, rotate the handle to face the same direction as the new actuator valve.

Step 12

Now remove the plastic handle and install the new actuator onto the valve.

Step 13

Next install the 4 screws on the top of the actuator to secure it in place.

Step 14

Place the handle onto the new actuator and screw the plastic screw into place.

Step 15

If you need to manually shut off an actuator, set this toggle switch to the middle position. You will want to do this when a valve needs to stay in one position, for example, to keep a malfunctioning valve from moving.

Comments

Top
(1 to 3 of 3)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/10/2016 

ON1/ON2 switch - After installation of the actuator(s), they may need to be synchronized. Out of synchronization refers to the condition where one actuator is rotating incorrectly in relation to another actuator. To correct this, simply flip the toggle switch at the bottom of the actuator which is out of synchronization between the ON1 and ON2 position.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/9/2016 

what is the difference in the on position 1 and On position 2 in the last photo.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 1/9/2015 

very helpful!
 Reply