HydroTools by Swimline ABS Ball Valve for Pool Plumbing

Exactly what I needed

We recently bought a new pool and the old shutoff valve I had broke. So we turned up the pool without a shutoff coming from the new skimmer back into the pump. In the past we had a shutoff valve on the inlet into the pump and the outlet from the filter. With only one, anytime we removed our cartridge filter to clean it, water would rush out until the spare filter was put in and the lid was put back on. This shutoff valve allows us to block the water flow from both sides, simplify the filter cleaning and reduce how much water we have to add to the pool to make up for what was lost without the 2nd shutoff.

Does what it’s supposed to do. The price was really good. Easy installation, just remember to loosen the connection between the two pieces when you want to turn the valve open. It’s not going to leak and it will extend the life of the ballcock. When you close the valve retighten the connection between the two pieces also only hand tighten everything.

Leaked as soon as it was installed

It works good if you loosen the nut every time you want to use it. The handle will pop off the shaft with too much force but if you loosen the nut that holds the valve together about a 1/4 turn it moves. You need to tighten it back up so it wont leak.The ball has flat sides which I figured would catch debris when trying to operate the valve, but it hasn't seemed to be a problem yet (1 full summer of use).I don't think the seals around the ball are teflon so I might try getting some to see if that helps.

just what needed for my pool

Had to replace an existing value that cracked after about 5+ years. New value worked perfectly. In response to other reviews that stated the value was hard to turn, that occurs if you over tighten the value body. Easy enough to avoid by not over tightening the body.

Very well made