Ball valve repair/replacement

[qxixp]

Hey TFP, it is almost pool season again! Thanks for all the helps/advices you've provided in the past, the experience of maintain a pool wouldn't be very pleasant if it weren't for you.

I am trying to open the pool today and I realize that the socket without the O-ring is cracked (see pic 1). I have been trying the find the brand of the ball valve hoping that I can simply replace the cracked socket, cutting/installing new pipe only on one end. There is the `c q p` like logo and "made in canada" label (see pic 2) on the ball valve. Here is what the ball valve looks like.

Do you know what brand of ball valve this is? Is it replaceable? If not, what ball valve brand/type would you recommend that is easy to replace and maintain in the future? A few brand names seem to be pretty popular, such as Jandy, Hayward, American valve. People have also recommended using double unions such as this.

Thanks!

 

[avspin]

I would change the valve to a Jandy now before it's opened. If your return/skimmer is plugged just cut it off add a coupler(depending on height) then a 90 and then the valve. You can add a union beyond that.
If one of those is the main drain, depending on water level you may be able to do it also. Other wise if it's below your pool level you may need to plug the drain to make the change.

 

[qxixp]

One of them is indeed the main drain. Do you have any recommendation on what specific jandy valve I should use? Why are jandy valves preferred (quality or replaceability)? If i install the valve and add a union beyond that, wouldn’t I have the problem down the line when one of the socket needs to replaced?

 

[avspin]

I have only used Jandy. I know there are other brands out there, maybe others can chime in. My pool builder used cheap ball valves 17 years ago. After the first winter the red handles started breaking. I got tired of using a wrench to open and close them and just decided to replace them all. I found a great deal on ebay as they are not cheap. So after about 13 years I've never had to replace a valve body. The only time I changed one was when I changed the plumbing and there wasn't enough pip to glue.
They are easy to open with 8 screws and replace/get O-rings. Look at Jandy 4716, 2" inside and 2 1/2" outside.
I open a couple of mine when I winterize to add antifreeze.

Nothing lasts forever so yes you will have to did it again when it breaks.

 

[qxixp]

thank you avspin, that is really helpful!