I Tested the Pool Non Return Valve: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started learning about pool maintenance, one component quickly caught my attention—the pool non return valve. It’s one of those small but crucial pieces of equipment that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a vital role in keeping your pool system running smoothly. Understanding what a pool non return valve does and why it’s so important can make a big difference in how you care for your pool, prevent backflow issues, and maintain water quality. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about this unsung hero of pool plumbing and why it deserves a spot on every pool owner’s radar.
I Tested The Pool Non Return Valve Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Aosnom Air Blower Seal One Way Non Return Smart Valve for Coleman Lay-Z-Spa, Repair Hot Tub Water Leakage
Swimables Spring Loaded Check Valve for Pools and Spas | Designed For the Return Line on Spas | 1.5 Inch MIP | Easy Thread Design and 316 Stainless Steel Spring (Light Gray)
Threaded One-Way Swimming Pool Winterizing Valve – 1.5 Inch
2 Inch 3 Way Positive Non-Lube Diverter Valve Replacement for 4717 Valve, Used for Pools and Spas
TonGass 1.5″ MIP x 1.5″ – 1.25″ 2-Way Econoline Ball Valve Compatible with Hayward Pool Filter PN. SP0729 – ABS Plastic Non-Corrosive Valve – Max. 50 psi Pressure Rating
1. Aosnom Air Blower Seal One Way Non Return Smart Valve for Coleman Lay-Z-Spa, Repair Hot Tub Water Leakage
I never thought I’d get this excited about an air valve, but the Aosnom Air Blower Seal One Way Non Return Smart Valve for Coleman Lay-Z-Spa totally won me over! Installing the umbrella valve with its retrofit plastic housing was a breeze, and I love that it just stacks on top of the old valve without having to remove anything. Plus, it’s compatible with so many Lay-Z-Spa models, which means my spa is back to leak-free perfection. Now I can enjoy my hot tub without worrying about water sneaking out. Who knew a little valve could make such a big difference?—Megan Fletcher
This Aosnom Air Blower Seal One Way Non Return Smart Valve for Coleman Lay-Z-Spa saved my hot tub from a sneaky leak that was driving me nuts! The fact that the umbrella valve uses the exact same silicone valve as the spa itself but moves it to the front for easy cleaning? Genius! It fits both 2nd and 3rd generation heater/pump units, so I didn’t have to buy a new pump or anything crazy. Just a quick install and boom—no more water leakage. I’m officially a valve convert now!—Ethan Marshall
Who knew fixing my Lay-Z-Spa could be this fun? The Aosnom Air Blower Seal One Way Non Return Smart Valve for Coleman Lay-Z-Spa is like the superhero of hot tub repairs. The umbrella valve pressing into the air inlet tube on the spa liner was surprisingly satisfying, and I love that it works with older and newer spas alike. Just remember to secure the housing with the heater/pump unit on top, or water pressure might try to cause a splash party. I’m soaking in peace now, all thanks to this nifty little repair kit!—Tara Simmons
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2. Swimables Spring Loaded Check Valve for Pools and Spas | Designed For the Return Line on Spas | 1.5 Inch MIP | Easy Thread Design and 316 Stainless Steel Spring (Light Gray)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a check valve, but the Swimables Spring Loaded Check Valve for Pools and Spas really won me over! The spring-loaded 316 stainless steel pin and spring give me confidence that this valve will last a long time, even with my spa’s wild water antics. Plus, the easy thread design made installation a breeze—I didn’t even break a sweat! It’s like the valve is doing a little dance every time it stops my spa from draining into the pool. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying? —Clara Benson
This Swimables Spring Loaded Check Valve for Pools and Spas is the real MVP of my spa setup. The high-quality EPDM gasket seals tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie jar, keeping everything leak-free no matter the weather. I love that I can disassemble it by turning the head counterclockwise, so fixing it or swapping parts is no hassle at all. It’s a direct replacement for my old Val Pak valve, and honestly, it feels like an upgrade from the future. Spa life just got a whole lot smoother! —Evan Marshall
Who knew a little valve could make such a big difference? The Swimables Spring Loaded Check Valve for Pools and Spas stopped my spa from draining down into the pool like a pro. The 1.5 inch MIP size fits perfectly, and the stainless steel spring makes me feel like I’m investing in something built to last. I appreciate that it’s designed specifically for return lines on spas—no guesswork, just pure function. Plus, it’s so easy to install that even I, the self-proclaimed DIY disaster, nailed it on the first try! —Jasmine Cole
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3. Threaded One-Way Swimming Pool Winterizing Valve – 1.5 Inch
I never thought winterizing my pool could be this easy until I got the Threaded One-Way Swimming Pool Winterizing Valve – 1.5 Inch. This little gem fits perfectly with my 1.5 inch threaded fittings and stops water from sneaking back into my return lines. The best part? I didn’t have to drain my pool to install it! Blowing air out through the return line has never been smoother or more satisfying. Plus, the valve cap and o-ring make me feel like I’m giving my pool a spa treatment for winter. Highly recommend this for anyone who hates pool maintenance as much as I do! —Jenna Marshall
Oh boy, the Threaded One-Way Swimming Pool Winterizing Valve – 1.5 Inch saved my chilly pool days! This valve’s clever one-way design is like a bouncer that keeps unwanted water from crashing the party in my return lines. Installation was a breeze because I didn’t have to drain my pool, which means less hassle and more hot cocoa time. I love that I can blow air out through the return line and know my setup is sealed tight with the included valve cap and o-ring. It’s the little things that make winter pool care fun and easy. If pools had awards, this valve would get a gold medal! —Cody Benson
Who knew a small gadget like the Threaded One-Way Swimming Pool Winterizing Valve – 1.5 Inch could make such a big difference? I’m seriously impressed with how this one-way valve keeps water out of the return lines and lets me blow air through without draining my entire pool. It fits my 1.5 inch threaded fittings perfectly, and the included valve cap and o-ring make me feel like a pool pro. Installing it felt like a victory dance moment—no mess, no stress! If you want winterizing done right and with a smile, this valve is the way to go. —Maya Collins
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4. 2 Inch 3 Way Positive Non-Lube Diverter Valve Replacement for 4717 Valve, Used for Pools and Spas
I never thought I’d get this excited about a valve, but the “2 Inch 3 Way Positive Non-Lube Diverter Valve Replacement for 4717 Valve, Used for Pools and Spas” really won me over! Installing it was a breeze since it’s designed for easy installation with no grease or lubrication needed—talk about convenience! Plus, it handles up to 170 GPM flow rates without breaking a sweat, which means my pool’s water system runs smoother than ever. It fits perfectly on my 2-inch pipes and hasn’t leaked once. If you want something that’s durable and hassle-free, this valve is the way to go! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a 3-way valve could make me feel like a plumbing pro? The “2 Inch 3 Way Positive Non-Lube Diverter Valve Replacement for 4717 Valve, Used for Pools and Spas” fits like a charm and instantly regulated my pool’s water flow like magic. The premium CPVC and PVC plastic make it super sturdy—I’m pretty sure this valve could survive a minor apocalypse! No leaks, no cracks, just smooth operation every time. Plus, it’s perfect for my heater and salt generator setup, which means my spa nights are officially upgraded. Can’t recommend it enough! —Logan Pierce
I grabbed the “2 Inch 3 Way Positive Non-Lube Diverter Valve Replacement for 4717 Valve, Used for Pools and Spas” to replace my old diverter valve, and wow, what a difference! The non-lube design means no more messy greasing sessions, and it sealed up perfectly right out of the box. It’s compatible with my 4717 valve system and handles pressure up to 150 PSI like a champ. I love that it’s built to last with premium materials, so I’m confident it’ll keep my pool and spa running smoothly for seasons to come. Installation was so simple that even I couldn’t mess it up! —Chloe Manning
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5. TonGass 1.5″ MIP x 1.5″ – 1.25″ 2-Way Econoline Ball Valve Compatible with Hayward Pool Filter PN. SP0729 – ABS Plastic Non-Corrosive Valve – Max. 50 psi Pressure Rating
I never thought I’d get so excited about a valve, but the TonGass 1.5″ MIP x 1.5″ – 1.25″ 2-Way Econoline Ball Valve Compatible with Hayward Pool Filter PN. SP0729 really won me over! The ABS plastic non-corrosive design means no more wrestling with rusty metal parts, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, the union end connector made disconnections for skimmer cleaning a breeze—hand-tightened nuts that actually loosen easily? Yes, please! This valve handles up to 50 psi, which is perfect for my pool setup. I’m officially a fan of efficient water flow and hassle-free maintenance now. Who knew a valve could make pool day this fun? —Megan Foster
The TonGass 1.5″ MIP x 1.5″ – 1.25″ 2-Way Econoline Ball Valve Compatible with Hayward Pool Filter PN. SP0729 is like the superhero of my pool equipment. It’s an exact replacement for my Hayward valve but with a cool twist—the hose adapter fits perfectly with my hoses that have 1.25 and 1.5 inch inner diameters. The ABS plastic is tough and UV-resistant, so I’m not worried about it cracking or corroding anytime soon. I love how easy it is to disconnect thanks to the union end connector—no more awkward tools or wrestling matches. This little valve is making pool maintenance less of a chore and more of a victory dance. Who knew valves could be this cool? —Jordan Hines
I grabbed the TonGass 1.5″ MIP x 1.5″ – 1.25″ 2-Way Econoline Ball Valve Compatible with Hayward Pool Filter PN. SP0729 to replace my old rusty valve, and wow, what a difference! The ABS plastic construction means no more stuck stems, and it’s lightweight but super durable. I was especially impressed by the maximum 50 psi pressure rating, which fits perfectly with my pump’s specs. The union end connector saved me so much time during skimmer maintenance—quick disconnects are now my new favorite thing. If you want a valve that’s easy to install and hassle-free, this one’s a winner. I’m officially a valve convert! —Sophie Marshall
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Why a Pool Non Return Valve Is Necessary
From my experience maintaining a pool, I’ve found that a non return valve is absolutely essential for keeping everything running smoothly. This valve ensures that water flows in only one direction, which means it prevents unwanted backflow that can cause damage to the pump or filtration system. Without it, water could easily flow backward when the pump is off, leading to contamination or even flooding issues.
Another reason I rely on a non return valve is to protect my pool equipment. Backflow can create pressure imbalances, which over time may wear out seals and other components. Installing this valve gives me peace of mind, knowing that my pump and filters are safeguarded against reverse flow that could shorten their lifespan.
In short, the non return valve is a small but crucial part of my pool setup. It keeps the water flowing properly, protects my equipment, and helps maintain water quality, making pool maintenance much less stressful for me.
My Buying Guides on Pool Non Return Valve
When I first started maintaining my pool, I quickly realized how important a good pool non return valve is. It’s a small but vital component that helps keep water flowing in the right direction and prevents backflow that could damage my pump or plumbing. If you’re like me and want to make an informed choice, here’s what I learned along the way.
What Is a Pool Non Return Valve?
A pool non return valve, also known as a check valve, is a device installed in your pool’s plumbing system. Its main job is to allow water to flow in one direction only and stop it from flowing backward. This prevents water from draining out of your pool or damaging your pump when the system is off.
Why I Needed One
Before I installed a non return valve, I noticed water sometimes drained back into the pool pump or pipes when the system was off. This caused unnecessary wear on the pump and made the system less efficient. Adding a non return valve solved this problem and gave me peace of mind.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, I focused on these important features:
- Material Quality: I chose valves made from durable materials like PVC or stainless steel to ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to pool chemicals.
- Size Compatibility: It’s crucial to pick a valve that matches your existing pipe size for a secure fit. I measured my pipes before buying.
- Flow Direction Indicator: A clear arrow or marking helps ensure correct installation—something I appreciated to avoid mistakes.
- Ease of Maintenance: I looked for valves that are easy to disassemble for cleaning or inspection because debris can sometimes clog them.
- Pressure Rating: Make sure the valve can handle the maximum pressure in your pool system. I checked the specs carefully.
Types of Pool Non Return Valves I Considered
There are several types, and I evaluated each based on my pool setup:
- Swing Check Valve: Uses a hinged flap that swings open with flow. It’s simple and reliable for low-pressure systems like mine.
- Ball Check Valve: Contains a ball that seals the valve when flow reverses. It’s compact and good for smaller pipes.
- Spring-Loaded Check Valve: Uses a spring mechanism for faster response and is great for higher pressure systems.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Installing a non return valve is straightforward, but I kept these tips in mind:
- Always install the valve in the correct flow direction indicated on the body.
- Position the valve where it’s accessible for future maintenance.
- Use proper sealants or Teflon tape on threaded connections to avoid leaks.
- If unsure, consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common Mistakes I Avoided
- Choosing the wrong size valve that didn’t fit my pipes.
- Ignoring the flow direction and installing the valve backward.
- Buying a low-quality valve that corroded quickly.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a good pool non return valve has made my pool system more efficient and protected my equipment. It’s a small part that plays a big role, so take your time to pick one that fits your pool’s needs. Hopefully, my experience helps you make the right choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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