Hayward SP071621 VariFlo Top-Mount Control Value, Black

Muy bueno

Excellent product

This Hayward top mount filter valve SP071621 fit perfect as a replacement filtration valve for my old Hayward top mount valve (SP071620T) which was nearly 20 years old and began to start leaking at the base and above the O-ring line. I have a 20-year-old 17,000-gallon inground pool that was renovated a couple of years ago with PebbleTec which we love. I think the valve housing began to start cracking from exterior weather and sun conditions over time. Prior to purchase, I changed out the interior O-ring where the old valve and sand filter lip meet, but that did not stop the leak since it was from pinhole cracks which the leaks were getting worse. I even changed the interior spider gasket, but that didn't help stop the leak either. I was losing several gallons of water from the top of the valve each day and it seemed to be getting worse. The middle of the summer in metro Atlanta heat (mid 90s) is not a great time for pool filtration and water circulation to fail and potentially have yellow or green algae build up in a hurry. I was minimizing pump circulation time to reduce water loss. I decided to replace the old valve immediately. I double checked the Hayward sand filter and parts manuals (I have a large Hayward S310T2 Sand Filter (500 Lb sand capacity) with a 31" folding lateral assembly. I only needed to replace the valve which Hayward said was a SP071621 model which replaced my older leaking valve. I shopped around for valves online and found some lower prices than Amazon through Pool stores. Also, mid-summer prices for pool parts are typically higher than off season periods. But most of them were going to take longer delivery. I paid more to go with Amazon, but the delivery was fast in two days. The right valve was delivered. The only negative on shipping was that the valve came in a box taped up but there was not any shipping paper or bubble guard around the valve t help protect it further. I didn't see any damage as the valve was tight fit in durable cardboard. I did a lot of pool research and followed DIY guides to replace and change the valve myself. I was able to reuse the same 2" PVC fittings from my old valve which had been replaced 2-3 times with sand and pump changes in the recent past. It took me about 3 hours to remove the old valve and install the new valve taking a lot of precautions following manual and online DIY videos meticulously to avoid any major problems. In the end, all went well. It wasn't all that complicated, I saved several hundred dollars in getting a pool company to do the job as well time which would have been 2-3 weeks at best to get someone to come out. After a week from the repair, the new valve is working well with no leaks and my pool is back to full water circulation with filtering. The water is balanced, nice and clear and great for family swimming. I am happy with the Amazon purchase and replacement filter.

Great replacement unit. Easy to install.

Update: After the initial leak, the valve began leaking at every bolt around the top. I contacted the seller and their response was to contact the manufacturer. I contacted Hayward about the leak and asked how tight could I tighten the bolts without damaging the valve. They said there are no tightening specifications and that I should not need to tighten them. They told me the valve was defective and I should return it to the place where I purchased it. I contacted the seller again about replacing the valve. I asked for a replacement to be sent so that I could change out the valve without shutting down the pool for however many days it would take to get a replacement valve. The response was that I must send them the defective valve before they would process and ship the replacement. This is not acceptable to me and I have ordered a new valve elsewhere and will be returning this one when it arrives. This product installed easily and fit perfectly. It worked great for a few days now it is leaking at a bolt in the top. I have tightened it as much as I dare. (There are no tightening specs provided). I am contacting seller to determine solution.