Pentair 263028 Three Port Diverter Valve with 2" PVC Pipe (Open Box)

Pentair - you’d think top of the line. Or at least their prices are! Long story short, buy the Jandy!! These valves only have one axle point, which is where they protrude out the top for the handle connection. Unlike the Jandy, these pentair valves do not have the central support connection at the bottom of the bowl. This creates a major flaw! These valves can only fully close if the water pressure is against the inside of the valve body. If you apply water pressure to the outside of the valve flap, the flap or gate will bend and allow water to flow. This may be hard to understand…. On the 2-way valve, that means you must turn the “off” tab to face the downstream side of the valve. On the 3-way, you must ensure the “off” tab is rotated away from the supply or upstream side. Be careful when using these valves with a solar system. Particularly as a solar bypass or positive isolation valves. For example, if you isolate the system with the off tab facing toward the solar collectors, that will not provide a positive block and it will drain down. Also, If you are using the 3-way valve to select between 2 sources to one output, say 2 different pumps to push water thru your system, just be aware that when the whole system is shut off, whichever pump the “off” tab points to will create a suction and allow air to enter the plumbing. See the video, notice how there is air entering and visible in the check valve, it’s being sucked in thru the valve “off” position.