Multiport problem

[True Blue]

First, let me say I am so excited to find this forum. I spent about 2 hours last night just reading threads. I have an algae problem, but I think I know how to attack (and be patient!) about that issue.

My bigger concern right now is with my multiport. I opened my pool two days ago and it filtered just fine for about five hours. Then, a small stream of water started pouring from the port that releases the waste/backwash. I called my pool store and they told me that it was likely the gasket that seals the two pieces of the multiport together. They told me how to take is apart. I did so, found the gasket, and couldn't see anything wrong with it. Additionally, I bought a whole new filter system and pump last summer in July and closed my pool at the end of August, so I was doubtful that it was damaged, but I took their word for it. They told me to bring the top part of the multiport it, that they had a replacement. My pool store is 1 hour away, but I made the trip.

The first guy that waited on me looked at the piece and said, "this doesn't look damaged." When I gave him the name of the other guy that I had talked with on the phone and told him the situation, he said, "ohhhhhh, yeah, it would have to be this piece, then." They replaced the portion of the multiport that had the gasket and I proceeded home, put the new piece in, started the pump and...you guessed it, there is still a leak out the waste port. The new piece had no effect whatsoever.

Before I call my pool store again (and end up making another 2 hour round trip drive to the store), I thought that I would ask you all for advice. I did rig a hose from the backwash port back into the pool, so I can still run the pump without water loss, but I don't feel comfortable leaving it on when I am not home or a night and with an algae problem, as you know, I need to leave it on 24/7.

Thanks in advance.

[CarlD]

I'm not the multivalve expert but there are 3 things that come to mind:
1) The Gasket (Called a Spider Gasket because it looks like a web) was installed incorrectly and still is.
2) The spring(s) for the multivalve are either damaged or installed incorrectly.
3) One of the chamber walls in the Multivalve is damaged, cracked or holed, and the water's getting through there into the backwash port.

There could be other issues, but, again, I'm not the multivalve expert.

Carl

[True Blue]

I'm not the multivalve expert but there are 3 things that come to mind:
1) The Gasket (Called a Spider Gasket because it looks like a web) was installed incorrectly and still is.
2) The spring(s) for the multivalve are either damaged or installed incorrectly.
3) One of the chamber walls in the Multivalve is damaged, cracked or holed, and the water's getting through there into the backwash port.

There could be other issues, but, again, I'm not the multivalve expert.

Carl

I'm on my second gasket. The first one worked for about 2 months last season and about four hours this season.

I inspected the inside of the multiport very thoroughly and I didn't see any problems.

[PoolDoc]

There's an relatively easy fix, that can work for a long time: just attach a 1.5" or 2" ball valve to the discharge port. Keep it closed when you are not backwashing; open it when you are.

I can't tell you how to attach it without seeing a photo of your multiport, but if you mail a couple to poolforum AT gmail DOT com, I'll post them.

Obviously, this won't fix your multiport, so it would be best of you installed a threaded valve that you can save and resuse later. But, it's a way to get a quick functional fix for now.

Ben

[True Blue]

I can't tell you how to attach it without seeing a photo of your multiport, but if you mail a couple to poolforum AT gmail DOT com, I'll post them.

Ben

Photos have been sent.

[True Blue]

I went out to check on things and decided to backwash. As I feared, afterwards the leak during filtration was back.

[PoolDoc]

Based on the pics below, it appears you can use a 1.5" x 6" PVC nipple and a 1.5" FIPxFIP PVC ball valve to solve your problem temporarily. Both of those items are available at my local Lowes . . . but I don't know about yours.

Ben

[CarlD]

Yes, I can get those things easily here in New Jersey, maybe even easier than Ben can in Georgia.
It's a Hayward multivalve and those things are pretty much the same.

Carl

[True Blue]

I've determined that it isn't filtering properly. My pressure guage was broken, so I couldn't quite tell, but I suspected a problem. I read in another thread on here how to test for proper filtration using DE. I did that and my suspicions were verified. My question is, do I need to replace only the multiport? I assume that the filter does nothing more than hold the sand.

[CarlD]

I can think of 3 reasons you're getting blowback on the DE test.
First, the obvious: It's your multivalve.
Second, you may not have sufficient sand and it's passing through
Third, It's also possible your laterals are cracked or broken...but that explains the DE, not the leaking.

You could fix or replace just the multivalve. If the problem goes away your are done. If not, you'll need to empty the sand and inspect/replace the laterals, and refill with new sand.
It should STILL be cheaper than replacing the filter.

Of course, you could replace the whole thing with a bigger filter. I'm wondering if the pump is too big for it....what model and brand pump is it?

Carl

Carl