Education on Pool multiport valve on filter?

Question

First time w/ a pool. I need some education on the multi-port valve on my pool filter. The three pipes coming up to the valve read, "cleaner," "skimmer," and "suction." (suction is right before the last skimmer/filter)

#1- Which setting do I set it on for normal vacuum and circulation? (I think "cleaner" setting is for backwashing, not too sure though). I am having a problem with algae and the more I clean the walls of the pool, the more muggy my water gets even with the pump on.

#2- The handle on the valve reads "off" on the opposite end of the handle itself. This may sound elementary, but which direction do I place the handle? Does the handle itself align with the pipe in the direction of flow or the opposite?

Answer 1

I'm going to guess that this valve is on the intake side of the pump since you say one pipe is labeled suction. That pipe should be going to the horizontal (intake or suction) side of the pump.

The other 2 pipes go to the pool intakes. The one labled skimmer is just that, the skimmer or overflow. Some pools have a port in the side of the pool that is specifically for connecting a cleaner, like a Hayward Navigator. I assume that is the "cleaner" pipe. Now, what is missing is the bottom drain intake pipe.

There has to be one, not sure unless you take some pictures of the valve.

The handle itself aligns with the pipe that will be connected to the suction. Exactly opposite the handle will be shut off.

You can put the handle halfway (or any point) between the 2 intakes and it will draw respectively. If the handle is towards one pipe more, it will draw more.

Hope this helps but it is hard to understand what multivalve you are talking about, since pools usually have 2 or more.

There is always one on the intake(suction) side and usually there is one on the outlet of the filter that returns filtered water to the pool. I would look for the outlet of the filter and make sure that it is not in the recirculate or bypass position, but in the "filter" position. Also check the one on the pump side and make sure it is set to skimmer, not cleaner, unless you have your kreepy Krawly hooked up to the port in the pool.

Hope this helps!