This document is an owner's manual for Sta-Rite Multi-Port Filter Valves, covering installation, operation, and parts. It includes models for both side-mount and top-mount configurations, with different sizes (1-1/2" and 2").
Function Description
The multi-port filter valve is a critical component in a pool or spa filtration system, designed to direct water flow through various functions to maintain water quality. It allows the user to select different operational modes for the filter system.
The valve features six primary positions, each serving a specific purpose:
- FILTER: This is the normal operating position for the system, where water is directed through the filter media to remove debris.
- BACKWASH: Used to purge accumulated debris from the filter. This mode is typically engaged when the filter pressure gauge reads 10 PSI higher than the starting pressure of a clean filter, indicating the filter is becoming clogged. This process reverses the water flow through the filter bed, flushing trapped particles out to waste.
- RINSE: This position is specifically for sand filters. After backwashing, the RINSE function flushes any stray sand from the system before returning to the FILTER operation. This prevents sand from being returned to the pool.
- CLOSED: This position allows the valve to be shut off, which is useful when servicing filter tanks located below the water level, preventing water from draining out.
- RECIRCULATE: In this mode, water is circulated through the pump and back to the pool without passing through the filter media. This is advantageous for distributing chemicals or heat without filtering, or when the filter or its components are being repaired or replaced.
- WASTE: This position permits draining the pool or lowering its water level. When the pump is stopped with the valve in this position, the handle should be quickly moved to another position to prevent air from entering the piping.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual lists several models with specific part numbers and their corresponding filter types and connector kits:
Side Mount – 1-1/2"
- Models: 14964-0014, WC212-143P
- Compatible with filters: DES25, DES36, HRS16, HRS20, DEP36 (with kit 24750-0331 or 24750-0624)
Top Mount – 1-1/2"
- Model: 14962-0105
- Compatible with filters: DES25, DES36, HRS16, HRS20, DEP36 (with kit 24750-0331 or 24750-0624)
Side Mount – 2"
- Models: 14971-0000, WC212-144P, WC212-138B, WC212-150PN, WC212-150PA
- Compatible with filters: DEP36, DEP51, DEP83, DES51, DES60 (with kit 24750-0341) and HRP20, HRP24, HRP30, HRS24 (with kit 24750-0624).
- Note: Valve WC212-138B is specifically for use with HRP36 filters only.
Connection Types:
- WC212-143P, WC212-144P, and WC212-150PN valves are furnished with union connections.
- WC212-150PA is a 2" hose connection valve.
- 14964-0014 is a 1½" hose connection valve.
- 14971-0000 is a 2" hose connection valve.
Pressure Testing Parameters (for Sta-Rite equipment only):
- Water pressure for test: Less than 25 PSI (172 kPa).
- Water temperature for test: Less than 100° F (38° C).
- Test duration: Limit to 24 hours.
Repair Parts Lists: The manual provides detailed exploded diagrams and parts lists for each valve model, including components like handles, pins, bearings, valve covers, O-rings, springs, gaskets, sight glasses, and various nipples and adapters.
Performance Curves: The manual includes performance curves for both 1½" and 2" side mount valves with piping, showing P.S.I. Loss and Pressure Drop (Feet) versus Capacity (GPM).
- 1½" Side Mount Valve: Capacity ranges from 0 to 80 GPM, with P.S.I. Loss and Pressure Drop increasing with flow.
- 2" Side Mount Valve: Capacity ranges from 0 to 160 GPM, also showing increasing P.S.I. Loss and Pressure Drop with flow.
Usage Features
- Safety First: The manual emphasizes safety with DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION alerts. Users are instructed to stop the pump and release all pressure before changing handle positions or servicing the valve to prevent severe injury, property damage, or valve blow-up.
- Handle Operation: The handle must be pressed down to release pressure before turning it to a new position.
- Air Release: It is crucial to ensure all air is out of the system before operating or testing equipment to prevent explosions caused by trapped air.
- Winterizing: For freezing climates, the valve handle should be placed in an intermediate position between regular settings to prevent damage.
- Installation Guidance:
- For slip fittings, specific ABS to PVC solvent cements (e.g., Weld-On #793 or #710) and purple primer (P70) for PVC components are recommended. A minimum of four hours drying time is required before pressure testing.
- For threaded fittings, Plasto-Joint Stik¹ is recommended, and overtightening should be avoided to prevent plastic degradation and leaks.
- Union connections should not use pipe sealants on the union collar (nut); O-rings should be installed in the groove, and the collar tightened hand-tight.
Maintenance Features
- No Regular Maintenance: The manual states that no regular maintenance is required for proper operation of the multi-port valve.
- Part Replacement Procedures: Detailed instructions are provided for replacing various components:
- Replacing Handle: Involves stopping the pump, releasing pressure, placing the handle in "FILTER" position, removing the stainless steel pin, replacing the handle, and reinserting the pin.
- Replacing Cover and Plug Assembly (as a unit): Requires stopping the pump, releasing pressure, removing bolts, lifting the assembly, aligning the cover pin with the pump port tab, installing the new assembly, and tightening bolts.
- Replacing Internal Valve Parts: This involves a more extensive disassembly, including removing the handle, washer, bolts, and cover. Users are instructed to check the condition of the plug, rubber gasket, spring, O-ring, and internal plastic washer, replacing worn parts. Reassembly requires careful alignment of the plug and cover tab with the pump port.
- Replacing Plug Gasket (2” Valve): This procedure involves stopping the pump, releasing pressure, removing the handle and cover, removing the plug, removing the old gasket, cleaning the groove, pretreating the new gasket with specific glues (Fuller C27F-A, C27F-B Icortin, H.B. Fuller "Ultraflex" 4814AF), inserting the new gasket with the rounded bead exposed, tapping it down, replacing the plug, and reassembling the cover. Glue manufacturers' instructions must be followed closely.
- Replacing Plug Gasket (1½" Valve): Similar to the 2" valve, but with a simpler gasket replacement process, omitting the specific glue recommendations.
The manual emphasizes the importance of following safety instructions and proper installation techniques to ensure the longevity of the valve and prevent service calls or injuries.