Hayward SP071620T Pro Series Control Valve Vari-Flo 2-Inch with Clamp Black

Easy to install. Works great. Fast shipping. Product as shown.

This new control valve workerd great the instant I installed it. And it operated so smoothly. I would think that a heafty, costly valve as this would last forever: but it was the summer sun that finally did in MY old valve. It developed tiny cracks in the thickest portion of the walls. These cracks finally led to high pressure leaks that shot out 5 feet or more. NOW, I cover the valve from the hot summer sun, and sprayed most of it white, to reflect the heat, ( just in case). I imagine those sub- zero days of winter would also warrent a different kind of protection. Or, you could do nothing; after all, my original valve lasted 40 years with no care, whatsoever.

I wanted to have my pool ready for the Memorial Day weekend and had little time to replace the valve on my filter. I ordered from these fine folks and then found I could get the part locally. I cancelled my order but they had already shipped it. It came one day after I had installed the part I got from a local pool place. The local part cost about $60 more than from Below Cost and I am almost certain the package, in a Hayward box that had been opened, had at least the rubber seal removed. Fortunately, my original o-ring and clamp were only two years old and good, but I cannot imagine that Hayward would not include at least a new o-ring with this valve. In fact, the package from Below Cost had both the o-ring and a clamp. I returned the item and Below Cost quickly refunded my cost and paid the return shipping. I will order from them whenever I need anything for my pool that they carry. The local folks can screw someone else. BTW, my original valve was cracked by overly enthusiastic tightening of one of the 2” fittings.

Comes with a different handle then shown

Although I had some small hairline cracks that lead to a leak from UV exposure and the elements, Hayward's Customer Service has been very responsive and engaging with assisting me in the replacement of the faulty device. I recommend spraying the plastic body with some kind of rubber paint and/or covering with a small tarp to prolong durability long term.

After 28 years my previous valve, same provider and model number, developed a small crack when someone changed the settings without turning off the pump first (not my family). I thought how can you go wrong, spend the money and get the same one. Well the model number is the same but this is not the same at all. Plastic is signifantly thinner and it weighed less. It has that look of cheap plastic components (think Chinese knock offs) but most importantly, it last less than 7 months before it developed a crack in the housing. Honestly it has the price of a premium product but the quality of a cheap chinese supplier.Short version? Repair your old one or just buy a knockoff this was a waste of time and money.

Perfect fit!

The plastic used in these valves is too fragile for the application. I have the 500 lb sand filter and these valves, not due to the valve, but the plastic cracks on the 2" thread or body. The boss is too thin and the plastic is too brittle. The thread also has a shoulder at the bottom so the taper thread will bottom without sealing. The only way to get this to work is to use RTV as the thread sealant (automotive grade for water pumps like Permatex Ultra) and hand tighten only. Let it set 24 hours before using. Also install a worm gear clamp (radiator hose clamp band) over the OD of the threaded port and tighten. This helps support the overly weak plastic to support the hoop stress from pressure. Do not use pipe tape or dope as the instructions state or it will leak and break when you tighten to stop the leak. Amazon provided great support to me though. I have had this filter and valve for about 12 years and really like the filter, but I've had four (4) of these fail and (3) at my expense. The first one failed at the base clamp, the others failed in thread boss. I have many years hydraulic experience and am not a hack, I am always very careful. Hayward seems to cost cut and now uses an inadequate material with a poor design. It also seems to be susceptible to UV degradation, so I recommend a UV paint be applied if you have one. When my sand is worn out, I will replace the entire filter and valve with another brand. Hopefully this one will last another couple years.