How Do I Winterize My Sand Filter?

[waste]

Tribe, the 'winter' setting keeps the gasket inside from 'bonding' to the seal plate, therefore preventing tearing of the gasket when the handle is turned next season. It keeps all the ports open so no freeze damage can occur if it freezes

[traceyb]

not to do with winterizing, but is it true that when you move the lever to filter, backwash, rinse etc should you always be rotating it in the same direction.....such as clockwise or counter? I heard you should choose a direction and stick with it????
Sorry to dent the subject, but was reading up on "winterizing" learning as well, and thought of this ?

[waste]

It shouldn't matter which way you turn the handle, however a bunch of 'pool pros' say to do it only one direction.(I was taught this at the same time I was taught to only use 'pool store chems' and that bleach is bad for a pool ) A properly lubed and maintained multiport doesn't need that. I think what they're trying to avoid is the 'spider' or 'wagon wheel' gasket unseating or tearing. I've found this to be a 'non issue' as long as the multiport is properly cared for.