How important are diverter valves in bottom of skimmer ?

[uraceulose]

Both of our Hayward SP1070 skimmers do not have anything below the basket other than the 2 holes. I believe I’m supposed to have these diverter valves in the bottom to regulate flow. The way I understand it is they are used in case of the water level dropping below the skimmer? Mine will very likely never drop that low with no freezes in our area and an auto top off.

Should I install those 2 diverter valves and o rings?

Amazon.com

 

[mas985]

I don't use the diverter valves that came with my skimmer for couple reasons:

1) They don't really work as advertised. I tried it once when I was draining the pool to see how well they worked and basically they leaked air in so provided no benefit.

2) They reduce the flow through the skimmer and increase the flow via the main drain and I would rather have full flow through the skimmer and minimum flow from the main drain to maximize skimming ability.

 

[uraceulose]

Thank you sir

 

[DrewLG]

they are used in case of the water level dropping below the skimmer? Mine will very likely never drop that low with no freezes in our area and an auto top off.

They also prevent your pump from running dry if your skimmer fills up. That's why I have one -- if the wind blows hard this time of year, it only takes a few hours for my skimmer to fill up with leaves and pine needles.

Both O-rings -- the one under the float and the one under the whole assembly -- need to be intact for the valve to work properly.

If you decide to buy a couple, spend an extra few dollars for real Hayward valves and O-rings instead of the knockoff you linked to.

 

[uraceulose]

Thanks so much, I'll probably just leave them be. Our pool doesn't get a ton of leaves so most of the time even after 2 weeks I still barely have junk in the skimmer basket.