All You Need to Know About Swimming Pool Check Valves
The plumbing system is an essential part of every swimming pool. Regular and smooth water circulation in the right direction ensures that the water remains clean, healthy, and free from debris. Swimming pool valves work to manage the flow of water in the pool and its equipment and accessories. There are different valves like the multiport valve, check valves, diverter valves, and valve actuators that keep the pool from getting dirty. They come in a range of shapes and sizes to carry out a variety of operations. Here we will look in detail at the swimming pool check valves.
A check valve in the pool's circulation system ensures that the water doesn't divert from its natural route due to gravity and flow backward when the pump is turned off. Also known as one-way valves or non-return valves, they protect the pool's plumbing from getting damaged and the pool water from getting filled with dirt and gunk. The number of check valves will largely depend on the types of pool equipment used. Some of the places a check valve is installed are: before the chlorination device if the pool has solar heating; in the line that goes up to the solar panels; for water features that draw water from a source other than the pool itself. If the pool connects to a spa, the hot tub usually has a higher water level that drains back into the pool when the spa pump is turned off. A check valve ensures consistent water levels in both bodies. The check valves in all the places mentioned above help prevent backwash.
Types of check valves
You will generally find two types of swimming pool check valves known as a spring check valve and spring flapper check valve. The spring check valve opens and closes with the spring's help to stop the water from flowing backward. The spring flapper check valve consists of a flap at one end that goes up when the water flows and shuts down to prevent the water from going in the opposite direction when the pump is shut off. Both of these are available in different sizes and spring strengths.
To remove debris from a spring check valve, slowly and carefully unscrew the collars to make it loose enough to clear out the clutter or anything that blocks its functioning. Also, ensure that the O-rings are in perfect shape.
For the spring flapper check valve, unscrew the nuts, or life the cover to get to the inside of the valve and clean it. Screw the nuts back or reattach the cover to its original position.
Check valves are both opaque and clear. It is advisable to choose the latter as it helps get a clean look and knowing when the valve is dirty or has clogs that might affect its performance.
Swimming pool check valves are not made to last forever and might need repair or replacement due to wear and tear. Regularly inspect and clean them to ensure good health and smooth functioning of the pool.
If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!
