AstralPool Classic Plus Multiport Valve
Model Code: 73950-1000 | Version: 1.1 | Date: 30/03/2021
1. Description
The AstralPool Classic Plus is a multiport valve designed for installation in pool filters, typically for residential pool applications. It offers a selection of seven different operations:
- Filtration: Water from the pump enters the filter and returns to the pool.
- Drain: Drains pool water directly to the waste line without passing through the filter.
- Closed: All valve inlets and outlets are closed. Never start the pump in this position.
- Wash (Backwash): The water flow direction is reversed compared to filtration to clean the filter media.
- Rinse: Necessary after washing to remove dirt residue and before returning to filtration.
- Recirculation: Water flows through the system without passing through the filter.
- Hibernation: Used for closing the pool during winter or long periods of inactivity. The distributor is slightly raised to prevent damage from frozen water.
The valve can be supplied in different configurations for side filters, as described in Fig. 1.
Diagram Description (Fig. 1): Illustrates various port configurations (POS1 to POS5) and the corresponding inlet/outlet labels (TOP1, TOP2, BOTTOM1, BOTTOM2).
Diagram Description (Fig. 4): Shows the main connections: PUMP, RETURN, WASTE.
Important Warnings:
- Always stop the pump before operating the handle or performing any maintenance.
- The filtration system must not exceed 2 meters (6.5 feet) in relation to the minimum water level of the pool at any point.
2. Installation
It is recommended to install the valve in indoor areas such as machine rooms or cabins. The ambient temperature range should be 5°C (41°F) to 35°C (95°F), and the water temperature between 15°C (39°F) and 35°C (95°F).
Never operate the filtration system at a pressure greater than 3.5 bar (50 psi).
Use PTFE tape for hand-threading conduit terminals and ABS-suitable adhesive for gluing. Clean filter connections thoroughly, removing sand or dirt. Ensure sealing gaskets are correctly positioned.
Installation Steps (Example for valve in position 3 and side filter):
- Place the flat gasket at the bottom of the TOP1 opening of the body. Mount the nut on the straight connection and thread it to the bottom of the TOP1 opening (as per Fig. 2).
- Place one O-ring (1) in the groove of the filter's upper opening. Attach the valve to this opening by gently threading nut (2) so the valve can rotate on its axis.
- Insert the second O-ring (3) into the groove of the filter's lower opening. Align the valve on the filter outlets by assembling the bend (4) and nut (5) as per Fig. 3, but without gluing them yet.
- Gently thread the nut on the lower opening (5) and firmly tighten the nut on the upper opening (2) to ensure perfect valve alignment. Remove the lower nut (5) and bend (4). Clean the areas to be joined with solvent. Apply ABS adhesive to the bend and valve. Reassemble the bend (4) with nut (5), aligning the marks on the body and bend, and firmly tighten nut (5) (as per Fig. 3).
- Allow to dry for two hours before operating the system.
Diagram Description (Fig. 2): Shows the connection of the straight link to the valve body.
Diagram Description (Fig. 3): Illustrates the assembly of the bend and nut for filter connection.
Diagram Description (Fig. 5): Highlights the use of alignment marks for proper installation.
Diagram Description (Fig. 6): Details the correct alignment of the operating lever with the shaft's triangle mark.
Diagram Description (Fig. 7): Shows how to align the cover positioner with the hole in the valve body.
Notes:
- It is recommended to loosen other system connections (e.g., drain ball valves) to facilitate multiport valve installation.
- Do not apply excessive adhesive, as it can damage the valve's interior or hinder its proper function.
Warning: DO NOT USE LIQUID THREAD SEALANTS, AS MOST CAN DAMAGE THE VALVE MATERIAL.
3. Maintenance
Maintenance is recommended at the end of each bathing season.
To disassemble the upper assembly:
- Stop the pump.
- Close the pump suction and pool return valves.
- Place the handle between the Rinse and Filtration positions.
- Open the drain valve (if present) and the drain plug until the valve is empty.
- Remove screws (20) and nuts (21) from the cover and remove the upper assembly.
- Check the condition of the O-ring (22) on the cover. Clean if dirty, replace if damaged. Lubricate with soapy water before reinstallation.
- Check the condition of the distributor gasket (14) and remove any accumulated dirt in the body area where the gasket seals.
- Assemble the upper assembly, ensuring the cover positioner aligns with the hole in the valve body (Fig. 7).
- Secure the valve using nuts and bolts.
Warning: If the operating lever is disassembled, reassemble it by aligning the triangle marked on the shaft with the projection on the lever (Fig. 6).
4. Parts List
| ITEM | Description (English) | Description (French) | Description (Spanish) | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Body | Corps | Cuerpo | 1 |
| 2 | Cover | Couvercle | Tapa | 1 |
| 3 | Distributor | Boisseau | Distribuidor | 1 |
| 4 | Lever | Poignée | Maneta | 1 |
| 5 | Friction washer | Rondelle de frottement | Arandela fricción | 1 |
| 6 | Straight link | Raccord droit | Enlace recto | 1 |
| 7 | Viewer | Regard | Visor | 1 |
| 8 | Spring washer | Rondelle du ressort | Arandela muelle | 1 |
| 9 | Spring | Ressort | Muelle | 1 |
| 10 | Viewer glass gasket | Joint du regard | Junta visor | 1 |
| 11 | Handle washer | Rondelle de la poignée | Arandela Maneta | 1 |
| 12 | Bend | Coude | Curva | 1 |
| 13 | Pin | Goupille | Pasador | 1 |
| 14 | Distributor gasket | Joint étoile | Junta distribuidor | 1 |
| 15 | Linking gasket | Joint du raccord | Junta enlace | 1 |
| 16 | Purge plug | Bouchon de vidange | Tapón purga | 1 |
| 17 | Washer gasket | Rondelle du joint | Arandela junta | 1 |
| 18 | Nut | Écrou | Tuerca | 2 |
| 19 | Lid label | Étiquette du couvercle | Etiqueta tapa | 1 |
| 20 | Screw | Vis | Tornillo | 6 |
| 21 | Nut | Écrou | Tuerca | 6 |
| 22 | Cover O-ring | Joint torique couvercle | Junta tórica tapa | 1 |
| 23 | Purge O-ring | Joint torique vidange | Junta tórica purga | 1 |
| 24 | Shaft O-ring | Joint torique axe | Junta tórica eje | 1 |
| 25 | Filter O-ring | Joint torique filtre | Junta tórica filtro | 2 |
5. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leakage through the viewfinder. | Fit the flat gasket (10) securely and tighten it. |
| Leakage through the bleed plug. | Remove plug, clean housing and gasket, and tighten plug again. |
| Operations do not correspond to the indications on the front cover. | Check the position of the front cover (it must coincide with its positioner). Check that the lever positioner and the distributor match. |
| Sealing failure in the valve opening. | Check that no breakage has occurred due to over-tightening or use of unsuitable sealants. |
| Leakage at the drain with the valve in filtering, closed, or recirculating positions. | Disassemble the upper assembly, check the distributor seal (14), and clean any dirt in the seal area between the body and the distributor seal. If necessary, order a replacement of the upper assembly. |
| Failure of sealing between the body and the cover. | Check that the seal (22) is not pinched, broken, or dirty. |
| Leakage between valve and filter. | Check the condition of the O-rings placed on the filter openings and check the alignment of the glue on the bend. Retighten the nuts (18). |
| Dirt or sand inside the valve. | Check the condition of the internal filter collectors. |
6. Performance Graphs
Diagram Description: Pressure loss versus flow rate graphs are provided. One graph shows pressure loss in bar against flow in m³/h, and the other shows pressure loss in psi against flow in GPM.
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