New Pool Owner - Please help identify my pump / filter configuration

[rgn22]

I have been reading as much as I can and have got a pretty good handle on pool care, but there are some valves on my pump / filter and I don't know their purpose. Before I backwash or do anything, I'd like to know what they are for, and if I need to adjust them first. Specifically there are 2 valves and a pipe that I need help with.

I have a 36 sq ft DE filter, a 1.5 HP pump, and an 18,000 gallon pool with a spillover spa.

Below are photos of my system. I have numbered them as follows:

1) DE Filter
2) pump
3) Filter basket
4) Unknown valve *
5) Chlorinator compartment
6) Unknown valve *
7) multiport valve
8) unknown pipe *

* I need help with these

Thanks!

Photo of whole configuration:
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r612/rgn22/pump_whole.jpg

Close-Ups of the 2 valves:
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r612/rgn22/valve1.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r612/rgn22/valve2.jpg

[Watermom]

Hi and welcome to the Pool Forum! Sorry you haven't gotten a reply yet. We have been swamped. I wish I could answer your question for your but plumbing is not my thing. I just wanted to pop in here to say hi and let you know that your post had been read and you aren't being ignored. Hopefully somebody will be along soon who can help you!

Hope you enjoy being a part of the forum!

[rgn22]

Hi, and thanks for your welcome note. I'll just wait and see if anyone can help.

[PoolDoc]

#4 -- your suction side connections, possibly to a skimmer and a main drain. You can find out, but rotating the valve to block each pipe in succession.

#6 -- your pressure side connections, possibly to two in-wall returns. Check, as above.

#8 -- no clue.

It's also possible, that #4 & 6 allow you to switch from spa to pool, and vice versa.

[Watermom]

Uuhhhhh ....... What he said! This is why I told you plumbing is not my thing!