Bypass Valve Consideration
In the process of winterization, air is blown through all of the pipes to eliminate water inside of the
The bypass valve should be exercised in both directions a few times to
eliminate all of the water within the valve.
This can be accomplished using the manual on/off
function of the LX220 or by manually turning the valve in both positions.
However, there have been two reported incidents of 
cracked bypass valvesduring spring start-
up. The bypass valves were found to be cracked along the underside of the valve.
that water was inside the valve during a freeze. This was probably the direct result of either: A) An
improper winterization effort; or, B) A bypass valve that is installed in such a position to either
“trap” or “collect-back” water into its base.
After the pipes have been drained, a small amount of
trapped water or moisture may still be present in some of the pipes or valves depending upon how
If the bypass valve represents such a “trap” or a “collection point” for
residual drain-back within the plumbing, it may cause damage to the valve.
Two approaches can be used to eliminate this type of “plumbing” problem:
hole, valve or pitot tube near the bypass valve to drain off any water that could get trapped, drain-
back or accumulate back into [or at] the bypass valve.
An examination of the plumbing should
reveal if any trapped water or drain-back of moisture would be accumulated inside of the bypass
2) Remove the valve operator, top screws and internal valve diverter.
water accumulation after winterization.
Non-toxic antifreeze can be
poured into the valve if desired.
Note: #1 is a common approach used in plumbing.
The bypass valve should be installed in such a way that moisture or water does not get trapped into
the valve or is allowed to drain-back or accumulate inside the valve’s body after winterization.
This can create damage to the valve during the winter freeze cycle. Also, improper winterization of
the valve will lead to damage.
Not all swimming pools require the winterization process as described on the preceding
For example, swimming pools located in Florida
winterization process. These pools are not located in “hard-freeze” locations [like Minnesota].
However, in some areas that do not winterize the pool, there is still the possibility of a
period of one or more days when temperatures below freezing are occurring [or being forecasted]
OR, you may be simply late in getting around to winterizing your pool.
What do you do in such an instance?
The standard operating procedure in such an instanceis to keep the pool’s filtration
pump running during this brief period of freezing temperatures.
the PCS1. You should keep water running through the PCS1 during this period of time.
1. Ensure that the pool’s pump is manuallyON.
2. Ensure that the bypass valve is manuallyON.
3. Keep water flowing through the pool’s pipes and the PCS1 until freezing temperatures are no
Failure to keep water running [flowing] in such an instance can result in damage to the pool’s
plumbing, support system and the PCS1.
Sometimes it may be necessary to leave your pool unattended for an extended period of
time. For example: this could be a two-week vacation or any other situation where the pool will be
left alone and unattended. In such a situation, the pool’s water chemistry is a serious concern for
CAUTION: Leaving pools unattended for an extended period of time can lead to poor
pool water chemistry. This can then lead to an acidic pool condition which is capable of eating
[etching] away the metal throughout your pool’s support system equipment. This includes the
One simple solution is to always have someone, who knows what they are doing, maintain
your pool water chemistry during this period of time. A second solution is to use automatic
chemical dispensing equipment while you are away. Equipment you trust and is capable of
maintaining your pool’s water chemistry while you are away.
WE RECOMMEND:That the PCS1 be turned off when the pool will be left unattended
for extended periods of time. This can be accomplished by turning the LX220 controller to the
“OFF” position. Additional security can be obtained by removing the bypass valve’s “plug” and
the bypass valve’s manual “handle”. OR, in newer systems, placing the ON1, OFF & ON2 switch
on the valve operator into the OFF position and then removing the handle. Before restarting the
PCS1, ensure that the pool’s water chemistry has not degraded into an acidic condition.
Following these simple precautions will extend the life of your PCS1 solar swimming pool
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