Why an automatic multiport valve pays off over a manual valve in the long run
AstralPool System VRAC Flat 43512
Why an automatic multiport valve pays off over a manual valve in the long run
One investment lets your filter backwash itself when pressure reaches the set point. Less staff time, fewer operator errors, and more consistent filter care.
1½ in. top mountBackwash adjustable 16 minAuto rinse 30 sec
The short version
- A manual valve costs less, but someone has to stop the pump, turn the valve, backwash and rinse every single time.
- The AstralPool VRAC Flat 43512 senses filter pressure and runs backwash and rinse on its own at the set point.
- It fits hotels, resorts, schools, condominiums, unattended pools and sites with several filters best.
- Value comes from labour, travel time and consistent maintenance, not the purchase price alone.
When building a pool, most owners happily invest in the pump, the filter or a salt chlorinator, yet overlook one key component: the multiport valve, which directs every litre of water through the filtration system.
A manual valve is affordable and works well. But every backwash means someone must stop the pump, move the valve, backwash, rinse and return to filtration in the right order.
What if the filter system could handle those steps itself, without waiting for someone to turn the handle? That is why AstralPool developed the System VRAC Flat Automatic Multiport Valve.
How the automatic multiport valve works
The VRAC Flat 43512 is a 1½ in. automatic valve for top-mount filters with four positions: Filtration, Backwash, Rinse and Waste. When filter pressure reaches the set point, it runs the cleaning cycle below on its own.
Normal filtration
The valve monitors filter pressure. As dirt builds up in the media, pressure rises.
Set point reached, backwash starts
Pump stops, valve turns, pump restarts to backwash. Duration adjustable from 1 to 6 minutes.
Automatic 30-second rinse
Resettles the filter bed before water returns to the pool.
Back to filtration
The system resumes filtering. Nobody needs to visit the plant room.
Automatic pump stop/start requires control wiring done according to the manufacturer's manual.
5 reasons an automatic valve pays off long term
It is not only more convenient. It turns a people-dependent task into a process that runs the same way every time.
Example: backwash twice a week, 10-15 minutes each
1726 hours a year
Valve operation only, not counting the walk to the plant room
Less staff workload and labour cost
Hotels, resorts, schools and large projects often run several filters. An automatic valve removes manual steps so staff can test water, clean the pool or check other equipment instead.
No more forgotten backwashes
As media clogs, flow resistance rises and flow rate drops. The valve backwashes when pressure reaches the set point. The benefit is not washing more often, but washing at the right time.
Fewer operator errors
A manual valve needs the pump stopped before every position change. Getting the order wrong can damage the valve or other equipment. The automatic valve coordinates valve and pump itself, so the procedure stays consistent.
Controlled backwash water use
Every backwash sends water to waste and needs refilling, which affects both the water bill and chemical balance. A set backwash time standardises the process. Actual savings depend on the setting, media condition and how dirty the pool gets.
More confidence for hotels and projects
Busy pools need continuous care. Automatic backwash reduces the risk of missed maintenance, and for contractors it is a way to stand out from quotes that compete only on pump and filter price.
Manual vs automatic multiport valve
| Topic | Manual valve | VRAC Flat 43512 (automatic) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a backwash | Someone turns it by hand | Starts itself at the pressure set point |
| Pump stop/start | Manual, order can be missed | Automatic when correctly wired |
| Backwash / rinse time | Depends on the operator | 16 min adjustable / 30 sec rinse |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Small home pools with regular care | Hotels, resorts, projects, unattended pools |
Is the higher price really worth it?
It depends on how the pool is used. The real cost is not just the purchase price but labour, travel, supervision and the problems that follow when a filter is not cleaned when needed.
Especially worthwhile for
- Hotel, resort, school and condominium pools
- Sites with several filters
- Pool villas and holiday homes without full-time staff
- Pools serviced remotely by technicians
A manual valve may be enough if
- It is a small private pool with one filter
- The owner or a technician looks after it regularly
- Keeping upfront cost low is the priority
Payback depends on real labour savings, plus installation, maintenance and spare-part costs of the automatic system.
AstralPool VRAC Flat 43512 specifications
| Type | Top-mount automatic multiport valve |
| Connection size | 1½ in. |
| Positions | Filtration / Backwash / Rinse / Waste |
| Backwash trigger | Filter pressure sensing |
| Backwash time | Adjustable 16 min |
| Automatic rinse | 30 sec |
| Rated flow | 12 m³/h |
| Max working pressure | 3.5 bar |
| Actuator protection rating | IP65 |
Installation note
Have a qualified technician check compatibility with the pipework, filter, electrical system and waste drainage before installation.
Frequently asked questions
How is an automatic multiport valve different from a manual one?
With a manual valve, someone has to stop the pump and change the position every time. The automatic valve senses filter pressure, runs backwash and rinse, and stops and restarts the pump itself when the control wiring is correct.
How long can the backwash run?
It is adjustable from 1 to 6 minutes, followed by an automatic 30-second rinse before returning to filtration. Match the setting to your media condition and pool load so you do not waste water.
Which filters does it fit?
Model 43512 is a 1½ in. valve for top-mount filters with a rated flow of 12 m³/h. Have your filter model and pipework checked before ordering. Send us your filter model on LINE @winwinpool and our team will confirm.
Does a small home pool need an automatic valve?
Not always. If the owner or a technician looks after it regularly, a manual valve is fine. For holiday homes or pools serviced from far away, an automatic valve keeps the filter cleaned on schedule even when nobody is there.
Can I install it myself?
We recommend a qualified technician, because the valve must be wired to the pump and electrical system, and the pipework and waste drainage need to be checked for safe operation.
Bottom line: value is not measured by purchase price alone
A manual valve saves on upfront cost but needs a person for every backwash. The AstralPool Automatic Multiport Valve automates that job, cuts repetitive work, reduces human error and keeps filter care consistent.
Good equipment should not just work. It should lighten the load for its whole service life.
AstralPool System VRAC Flat 43512
Regular price THB 51,764
THB 27,600
Winwinpool special price as shown on the website on 22 October 2026. Prices may change.
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