Ask The Pros Swimming Pool and Spa Help and Information

Instructions for Waterco 2 Way Valve

Q: instructions for waterco 2 way valves... what does "this port cannot be closed" mean?

A: Your valve has one inlet and two outlets. When used normally the water comes in the inlet and is diverted to one outlet, the other outlet or a mix of both. If you rotate the valve so that the diverter completely covers the inlet hole, then the water has nowhere to go.  If your water has nowhere to go it will very sharply raise the pressure on your filter if your pump is running and this can be dangerous. You want to make sure to rotate the lid to a potion where it does not allow the diverter inside the valve to pass over the inlet hole.

Thank you ,
Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Problem With Pump at Shut-Off

Q: I have a problem when the pump goes off. Every after noon when the pump goes off, the skimmer basket and the lid gets pushed out of the skimmer(1ft in the air) because of back water pressure. The next morning the pump take for ever to prime because all the water flush out. Rest of the time everything is fine. When the pump is running I have 14 psi. I clean the filter very well recently but still have the problem. The filter is 10 years old and it's a sta rite F8 M150 Please let me know if you have any idea.
Thank you

A: You have a problem with air building up in the filter. If air builds up it will become compressed by the pump pressure, when you turn off the pump it will re-expand rapidly. Your most likely have a suction leak and are sucking in air somewhere.

We have a tech tip section on Pump Suction Leaks.

If you have questions after looking that over, let me know.

Thank you!

Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Brominator Hooked Up Backwards

Q: I was recently hired at a hotel which has an indoor pool and hot tub. Each has its' own brominator.  I've also recently been put in charge of maintaining all of the pool and hot tub equipment and, as such, have noticed the pool brominator has been piped up in reverse; that is, the water coming in to the brominator is on the side marked "out" and the outflow from the brominator is coming out of the opening marked "in".  One of my co-workers says it doesn't make any difference but I feel the brominator was stamped 'in' and 'out' for a reason.  After we close the hotel for this season, I am planning to reverse the piping on this brominator but, for now, I would like to know what, if any effect this backward piping may have had on our consumption or bromine tabs or efficiency of how the unit operates.  Thank you for your time.

A: I am not sure which brominator you have, but almost all of them have a check valve to prevent reverse flow. Unless this was intentionally removed I would be surprised if it worked at all.
Thanks!
Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Magnetek motors and Replacement Pumps

Q: Do you sell Magnetek motors and pumps together as a set?  I am needing to replace both and I am wanting to make sure I get the correct ones.  The motor model number closest to the one I have is #BN61.  What pump would be compatible with that motor? - Thank you

A: There are many pumps compatible with a bn61, they have a wide variety of flow curves and sizes and plumbing hookups. If you are replacing an existing pump, it would be best to ID it so we can get the best replacement. If you want an example this pump should contain a BN61:

Waterway - Hi-Flo Spa Pump - 3420820-10

What are you replacing? You can email me a picture of it if you need to.

Thank you,
Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Top Feed 6 Port Tsunami Valve

Q: Hi, I think the Top Feed 6 Port Tsunami is what I'm looking for however I'm not 100% sure - by A&A Manufacturing.  Can you advise exactly what identifiers I need to look for on my unit? Also do you ship overseas? (Australia)

A: I do not remember them being big on the numbers over at A&A but it is unusual looking inside. If you look at this schematic:

5 & 6 Port Tsunami Valve by A & A Manufacturing

The 6 circular flappers inside on the hinges I believe are unique to that valve. We normally ID those by looking inside.

We can ship to Australia, but we need to set it up in advance. If you decide that it looks like your valve let me know what you need and I will set up an order and email It to you.

Thank you!
Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Jacuzzi Triclops part 42-3702-15-K

6/16/2009 *A recent addendum to this post*

We are now getting the triangular Jacuzzi Cartridges again. We are getting them manufactured for us. You can order the proper triangular Triclops cartridges at the link below:

Triclops Triangular Replacement Cartridges

Q: On item number 42-3702-15-K, the replacement for the jacuzzi (cantar) triclops 450, does this item include all of the selected items within the jacuzzi schematic? Specifically, in addition to the 3 circular filters, does the item include the new standpipes required for the circular filters, as well as the manifold? I appreciate your help in clarifying this isssue.

A: Yes it includes the entire center of the filter including the three round
cartridges, and all the support pieces need to install them in place of the
triangular ones. We can ship you one anytime.

Thank you!

Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Jacuzzi Pool Filter Identification

Q: I have a Jacuzzi pool filter. I don't know the model number. It is five years old. I need to order some parts. On the filter there is a label that lists all three models (40, 55, 70) and the appropriate DE quantities for each. However I can't seem to find a specific model number on the unit. I can tell you that the unit is 29" high with a circumference of 37" but that's about all. Do you have any advice or guidance as to how I can identify the exact model number?

A: The only one that seems to have those filters is the landslide, does this
look like your filter?

Jacuzzi Landslide D.E. Filter

Let me know if it does not seem correct.

Thank you!

Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com

Face Ring for Sta-Rite Pentair Sunlight Light

Q: Can I replace the plastic ring that holds on the pop over lens on the Sta-Rite Pentair Sunlite lamp?

A: Yes you can, the Face Ring Assembly on this page has the part you need with it.

Thank you!

Dave   -   aqua-man.com     email: info@aqua-man.com