The Jandy corporation revolutionized pool plumbing in the late seventies when the Jandy 3-way valve was introduced. A 3-way valve allows two pipes to be controlled by turning one valve. Screws on top allow the valve diverter to be accessed for lubrication (not necessary with today's Never-Lube Jandy Valves, shown upper left), inspection or to remove a clog in the valve body. All plastic and stainless steel components assure long life and explain the loyalty of hundreds of pool builders. Since then, the patent lawyers have not been able to protect all aspects of design, and other knock off valves have been introduced in the last few years. The Compool valve, made by Pentair, is shown on the upper right. The Jandy type valve is also available in a two way design, and is preferable in use to a ball valve due to its rugged design and service-ability. However, Jandy type valves are more costly than ball valves.

My Jandy type valve is leaking water out of the top?!? Under the top of the valve, on the stem of the diverter, there are two o-rings. Replacing these o-rings may stop the flow of water coming up from around the stem. If not, the diverter assembly needs to be replaced. The diverter assembly can become worn, and allow water to escape.

My Jandy type valve is very hard to turn?!? These valves need lubrication annually (except for the Never Lube Jandy valves, but sometimes....even these) To lubricate, you can remove the grease cap fitting on the grey colored valves, fill the cap with a Silicone based lubricant like Magic Lube II, Jandy Lube or Aqua Lube, and screw the cap back in while rotating the valve and distributing the lubricant. If the grease cap is not present or the valve is white or black, you can also remove the 8 screws around the lid, remove the lid, and grease up the inside of the valve body and the face of the diverter.

My Grease Cap fitting on my grey Jandy valve is broken off?!? Bumping up against the grease cap can knock off the cap, breaking off the threaded portion inside of the valve. What to do? If the valve is on the suction side, you can fill the area with pool putty or silicone. Or, using a hammer, tap a sharp, new Phillips head screwdriver into the center of the remaining threaded portion, and then slowly twist it out, counter-clockwise. Then replace with a new grease cap, or put in a 1/8" threaded plug.