Ball Valve Recommendations...

[jgmcinnis]

I've got a bad ball valve that needs replacing, as well as a SWG system to install. Therefore, this seems like an opportunity to replace/upgrade my plumbing. I've got a ~22,000 IG pool/spa with Hayward S200 sand filter and a Whisperflo 2-speed pump. Three lines come FROM my pool (pool drain, spa drain, and skimmer) and two RETURN (pool & spa). I will need to remove the return ball valves to add the salt water chlorine generator anyway, and the pool drain valve is the bad one. That's 3 out of 5 I need to replace, so I figure I may as well change them all if I can get some ideas on better replacements. The ball valves I have seem to be standard issue PVC with red handles. They never seem to turn easily and I'm not sure that they actually seal 100% anymore.

Any recommendations on new ball valves, or is there some other type of valve that will serve the same purpose while being more reliable or offering easier operation?

Thanks for any ideas.

[cruzmisl]

Jandy makes some decent valves, it's what I have.

[leejp]

Home Depot Schedule 80 Full Flow Ball Valve. As far as I can tell no difference between them and the Jandy's which are 2x the cost. Schedule 80 PVC fittings + Pipe are MUCH less inexpensive at Home Depot as well.

[catnip]

I recently re-plumbed my system and replaced the cheap/troublesome ball valves with Pentair valves. These (and the similar Jandy valves) are actually more of a "cylinder" than a ball valve, and they are repairable as well. This was a HUGE improvement in ease of actuation and highly recommended. I purchased from this e-tailer and received very good prices and service:
http://www.discountpoolzone.com/mult...multiport.html

[Sumo1]

In our church pool reconstruction we're replacing 8 ball valves, the type with the red handle. We decided to go with Jandy Neverlube valves. I'll have to admit I never thought to look at HD to see what they had. Jandy has 2 lines of 2-way valves, standard and Neverlube. I don't know how often a valve would need lubing but we figured the 'upgraded' valves would be best in the long run. I hate to have to go back and do things over-don't you? Which ever way you go, it's worth it to shop prices on the Net vs. brick-n-mortar stores. Hope this helps in some way!
Hal