What do plunger valves do & are they necessary?

I have a 14 x 4 intex pool with a saltwater system & the small filter that came with it. This is the 2nd year for the saltwater system so I know how to take care of it, but this year I have issues with low flow alarm. I checked all the logically issues with no avail. I decided to upgrade my pump to the bigger 1500 one. My pool does not currently have plunger valves nor did the new pump come with them. I do, however, have an adapter from the saltwater system that I could use to connect from the pool to the hose. So, I am wondering if I really need the plunger valves & will the new filter work just as well without it?

They are shut off valves. The pump and filter can run just fine with out them, but using them makes it much easier to service the pump and filter.

. . . membership upgraded.

The new style plunger valves also have a vacuum breaker device built in. It is designed to let air into the suction side of the pump (making it loose prime) if the intake gets restricted. This is a safety feature to prevent entrapment. They also let the hoses hang straight down. There is a close up picture of the "B-adapter" and a plunger valve in this thread.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...ter-changeover.

Pappy