Swimming pool valves improve efficiency

Boiler manufacturer and fluid management specialist Allmech has expanded its product offering by introducing the new Runxin automatic swimming pool valve, which is particularly suited to larger installations.

This addition to the company’s range of filter valves is designed to provide a more efficient, convenient and reliable way to manage swimming pool filtration systems.

The new valve aims to address the limitations of manual pool filter valves that dominate the local market, says MD Lionel Maasdorp, who adds that Allmech is the only authorised South African agent for Runxin valves.

He highlights the advantages of the automatic valve, explaining the significant benefits it offers pool owners.

“Most swimming pool filter valves available locally are manual. The Runxin automatic swimming pool filter valve provides an advanced alternative that simplifies pool management and improves the efficiency of the filtration process, especially for larger pools,” he outlines.

The valve is suitable for a variety of pool sizes, including community pools, gym pools and hot spring pools, as it can operate in a water temperature range of between 5 °C and 50 °C.

The Runxin valve offers six functions: filter, backwash, fast rinse, waste, recirculation and closed. “One of its standout features is the automatic backwash function”, which Maasdorp says can be activated based on either pressure differences or time settings, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

This feature helps save time and effort while ensuring the filtration system operates at peak efficiency.

“By automating these processes, pool owners can enjoy more consistent and accurate filtration performance,” Maasdorp adds.

The Runxin digital automatic backwash valve head is compatible with multiple types of filtration media, including traditional filter sand and glass filter media, such as Ultra Clear or AFM. These filtration media are known for their effectiveness in removing sediment, dirt, rust and other large particles from the water, contributing to improved pool cleanliness.

Further, the valve is also well-suited for both domestic and industrial applications, with relevance for side-stream filtration in cooling towers and industrial aquariums. Its 50 mm water inlet and outlet ensure a robust water flow rate, with the side-mount unit offering a backwash rate of 12 000 ℓ/h and the top-mount unit delivering 24 000 ℓ/h.

The Runxin valve, which is available in two mounting configurations, offers increased flexibility for customers dealing with different space constraints.

This versatility makes the Runxin valve a practical solution for a range of filtration needs, Maasdorp says, adding that one of the key benefits is the valve’s ability to detect when the filter media is dirty through its built-in pressure sensors.

“When the pressure reaches a certain threshold, the valve automatically triggers the backwash process, preventing the filter from becoming clogged and reducing the risk of inefficient pump operation,” he explains.

Traditional filters, on the other hand, often require manual intervention to initiate backwashing, which can sometimes be done too early or too late, leading to wasted water or reduced filtration performance. If backwashing is delayed, the pump may have to work harder to push water through the clogged filter, consuming more electricity and reducing its efficiency.

“Keeping the filter media clean not only improves filtration performance but also extends the life of the media itself,” says Maasdorp. “When dirt is allowed to accumulate in the filter, it can pack together and become difficult to remove, resulting in diminished backwash effectiveness, as opposed to a strong backwash flow rate that ensures that the media bed is properly lifted and fluidised during cleaning.”

Maasdorp emphasises the company’s commitment to supporting the full range of Runxin products.

“As the only South African agent for Runxin, we stock a large portion of its product range and are always looking for ways to improve the offerings. We also offer a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty on any defects, as well as repair services and spares for the valves we stock,” he tells Engineering News, noting that Runxin is continuously innovating, with plans to upgrade a range of its ceramic core ball valves to include positional feedback.

Meanwhile, Allmech has also recently introduced an automated irrigation valve that senses soil moisture content to control irrigation systems, with further plans to explore Runxin’s agricultural range, which offers similar functionality on a larger scale.