Filter Multiports and Push-Pull Valves



Multiport, push-pull, valve, diverter... all commonly used names for the little "thingy" with a handle that sits on top of or hangs off the side of most filters. Their function is to direct the flow of water inside - or outside - of the filter.

To normally filter the water in the pool to keep in clean and clear, select "filter" which will allow the water to pass through the multiport and into the filter elements, clean the water and travel back to the swimming pool.

When the filter is dirty and it's time to clean it, you can "backwash" the filter, which stirs up the water inside the filter and sends out the dirt and debris out the backwash line.

After backwashing, you "rinse" the filter.

Another option is "waste" which means it takes the water and sends it through the multiport and out the backwash line, completely by-passing the filter tank. This is used when the pool is extremely dirty and you don't want to send the water back into the pool while vacuuming.

**It is very important that you turn your pump off before you turn the multiport handle or move the push-pull valve. Forgetting to turn the pump off will result in serious damage to the multiport or push-pull valve.


  • water feature, swimming pool, pool heater, pool filter, pool pump, pool cover, pool light, chlorinator, solar cover, salt generator, sand filter, de filter, cartridge filter, diving board, pool liner
    Pictured above is a side-mount multiport.
    They are found commonly on sand filters on in-ground swimming pools.
  • water feature, swimming pool, pool heater, pool filter, pool pump, pool cover, pool light, chlorinator, solar cover, salt generator, sand filter, de filter, cartridge filter, diving board, pool liner
    This is a push-pull valve.
    Pull it up and water goes into the filter to be cleaned and put back into the pool.
    Push it down to backwash the filter.
  • water feature, swimming pool, pool heater, pool filter, pool pump, pool cover, pool light, chlorinator, solar cover, salt generator, sand filter, de filter, cartridge filter, diving board, pool liner
    Here is a top-mount multiport.
    Most above-ground pools and some in-ground pools use this to control the water flow through their filter.


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