A&A 1.5 Low Profile 6 Port Valve

Welcome back, ePoolSupply supporters! In today's blog, I want to go over Pentair’s in-floor cleaning and circulation or formerly known as A&A’s low profile 1.5-inch 6 port actuator t-valve (540218 / 224470). This is a fantastic upgrade to all old-school 6 port top feed valves or gould valves. The low-profile valve is constructed to provide optimal cleaning with ease of maintenance. This cleaning valve directs high-pressured water to one of the six zones at a time and exits through the pop-up heads designated to that zone. The cleaning system also aids in boosting circulation with heating systems, allowing your entire pool to be heated rather than just the top section. 

Function 

As water enters the cleaning valve, the top impeller spins the gear assembly around the housing. As the gears turn, the lower cam lifts one of the six 1.5" T-Valves to allow water to escape through one of the ports and the cleaning heads. The pop-up cleaning heads spray dirt and debris to the main drain and skimmer to be trapped and filtered out before returning to the pool. As the gears rotate and lift each T-Valve a new zone of pop-ups is activated, providing a thorough sweep of the pool.

The black housing (549132 / 230020) is the main body of the valve. The housing is compromised of industry-grade material that has been factory tested for durability. 

The low profile lid (524664 / 230045) has a clear design that makes it easier to readily identify issues with the cleaning valve. The unit comes equipped with a convenient pause control assembly (551937 / 230074) to stop the gears mid-cycle. It also features a unique speed control channel which can be adjusted by rotating the lid slightly to the left or right. The lid uses a notch that lines up with a bump on the housing. Turning the lid clockwise will slow down the gear cycle whereas counterclockwise will speed it up. 

The next part that is included is the stainless steel band clamp (540146 / 23011). This clamp is designed to keep the low-profile lid securely in place, even under the high pressure put out y the pop-up system. 

This valve also comes with 6 of the snap-in style t-valves (549141 / 230176). These flaps are one of the most important parts of any Pentair In-Floor (A&A) valve. This newer style flap is designed to snap into the appropriate cutouts located inside the valve housing. Once in place, the center pin extending from the flap is picked up by the lower cam to allow the pressurized water to escape through one of the 6 ports. 

This unit comes with a white spacer ring installed underneath the t-valves. This ring is to keep the flaps up while installing the valve to prevent them from getting glued shut. This ring must be removed after installation for the cleaning valve to operate correctly. This valve is only compatible with 1.5-inch plumbing applications. 

In conclusion, Pentair’s in-floor cleaning and circulation or formerly known as A&A’s low profile 1.5-inch 6 port actuator t-valve (540218 / 224470). This is a fantastic upgrade to all old-school 6 port top feed valves or gould valves. The low-profile valve is constructed to provide optimal cleaning with ease of maintenance. If you are not sure if this valve is right for you please contact your local pool professional to examine it for you. 

If you would like to see what comes with the valve and want to see how to take everything apart and put it back together please watch the video I have attached below. This video is an overview of the A&A Low Profile Valve in 1.5" plumbing! We walk you through some simple-to-follow diagnostic steps as well as some quick fixes.