How To Replace Hayward Multiport Valve "Key Cover" Assembly--THE EASY WAY!!

Originally recorded May 26, 2023.
This video shows how to replace a Hayward multiport valve "key cover" assembly. If you have leakage around the handle, if the handle broke off, is hard to turn, or you have other issues with it, this is the part to replace. Note that this video does not cover replacing the spider gasket--mine was still supple and serviceable so I decided to leave it in place.
The key cover assembly is held on by 6 screws. A #3 Phillips screwdriver fits them securely. Underneath the screw is a nut. Be sure not to lose these nuts, they are needed to make a good seal. Simply turn your pool equipment off and undo the 6 screws, being careful to hold onto the nut. A 7/16" wrench may be helpful, but you must use the open-end part of it, a box wrench will not fit as there is not enough clearance.
Once the screws are removed, carefully break the seal around the unit. I simply pried up at the seal with my fingernails, but you can use a flat blade screwdriver if necessary.
Once removed, inspect the spider gasket and replace if necessary. Then reassemble--place the new key cover on top and seat it down, making sure it has its gasket installed. Once it's seated, put the screws back in and the nut underneath, the knurled part of the nut should face up, towards the head of the screw. Tighten the screws in a star pattern, similar to how you would tighten lug nuts on a car. This ensures that the torque is equally distributed.
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[@williamatwell415]

Delayed Thanks. Awesome video.

[@jaykay18]

You're welcome.

[@dynatrak]

Nice repair! Looked to be straight forward, and simple to perform.

[@jaykay18]

It was very straightforward. That means people will find ways to screw it up! As the saying goes, "Make something idiot-proof, and someone will make a better idiot."

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Its pretty easy to fix i miss my pool but my home had too much stuff to fix and no money... Nice video Jay.

[@jaykay18]

Thanks.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

Well. I posted the previous comment on the top of this page saying I will replace the multiport valve when it starts leaking in the other modes. Mine only leaked in recirculate but not any other mode. Today I saw water dripping off of the valve so I thought it’s time to rebuild it. I took the valve apart and the spring, spider gasket, and stem o- ring is all shot. I decided to order the complete valve along with the housing to plumb it into the system. Your valve would be a lot harder to do so but mine will be like Sharky626’s old house multiport valve where I could unscrew the pipes from it and put the new valve in. Again. Thanks for the video. Mine in getting close to being 20 if not 22 years old.

[@jaykay18]

You're lucky you can replace yours easily. There's really no need to do so, but then again, after that many years it's not the worst idea. Mine is about the same age, plus or minus a couple years.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

@@jaykay18I decided to since the spider gasket is the original is is really hard to get out, plus I have heard you need to glue it in place. I saw the complete valve for a similar price as the key cover assembly, so for 20 years old I figured it would not hurt to replace.

[@jaykay18]

@@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564 I was happy to see that my spider gasket was still in good shape. Replacing it will not be fun. It needs to be glued in place. I'm pretty sure I can do it, but it would take time to prep, let the glue dry, and reassemble.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

That looked like it was so easy to replace. My multiport O-ring around the handle was replaced and it will still leaks in recirculate. It does not leak in any other mode except recirculate. Pool twerp: you only want to turn the handle one way to preserve the spider gasket. Me: this is my pool I will do whatever I want. I know that statement will come up one day or another because the multiport is new. Figure I give them the reply.

[@jaykay18]

It was very easy to replace. The spring in my old one was shot also, the whole thing was nearing 20 years old, if it's not already. It lived its day.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

@@jaykay18 I feel like the spring is shot in mine. I makes the same sound as your old one did. When mine starts to leak in the other modes I might as well replace the whole valve.

[@jaykay18]

@@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564 Agreed.

[@michellekaminsky1057]

What manufacturer is the replacement multi-port?

[@jaykay18]

You have your choice of the actual Hayward part, or a plethora of Chinese manufacturers with made up names that mean nothing. Chances are, the Hayward part is made in China also.

[@michellekaminsky1057]

I guess I’ll just pick one and hope for the best. I have changed the Spider gasket before but looks like I need to replace the vari-flo valve totally (leaking) and DE flowing back into the pool. Question : the pool is running now. I do not have to do anything special to begin the process since there is water in the system? I will also likely place/glue a new gasket.

[@jaykay18]

@@michellekaminsky1057 As long as the one you get is the right size and shape (like I showed in the video), it should work. My pool was running when I did mine, no special setup required, just shut it off, leave it for a couple minutes for the water to settle, and change it out. You can inspect the existing spider gasket. Mine was old but was still pliable and I had no other issues as such. If you have DE flowing back to the pool, that may be because the filter needs to be cleaned. If you haven't opened it and cleaned it, you'd be amazed at home much is left behind even after backwashing. That may be why DE is going back to the pool. It was in my case, until I opened and cleaned the filter.