Ball Valve Recommendations...

[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