This valve system is used when the heater is not going to be in operation. The customer can divert the water flow so it does not go through the heater.
The advantages to having this operation are many, improved circulation because of less resistance going through the heater. The main advantage is life expectancy for the heater. Gas swimming pool heaters contain a heat exchanger made from copper, cupro-nickel or titanium. All are affected from water flow and when the water chemistry; salt, ph, alkalinity, calcium levels are off, this will wear down the small water ports much faster.
This system will also work with heat pumps. Replacing the heat exchangers is the most costly replacement item on a heater.
