Commercial Pool and Spa Supplies
4" FVS Single Arm Float Valve - Open Pipe
4" FVS Single Arm Float Valve - Open Pipe
SKU:4FVS-OP
Couldn't load pickup availability
The 4" FVS Single Arm Float Valve – Open Pipe (Float Valve Single-arm, 4-inch nominal pipe size) is a heavy-duty mechanical water-level control valve engineered for commercial aquatic surge tanks, collector pits, balance tanks, and open-channel gravity return systems. Installed directly onto an open-ended 4-inch horizontal or vertical-turn inlet pipe inside a surge pit, the valve automatically modulates or shuts off gravity flow from the pool gutters/skimmers as water rises in the tank—preventing surge tank overflow during heavy bather surges while maintaining positive flooded suction head for the main circulation pumps.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Equipment Reference | 4" FVS Single Arm Float Valve – Open Pipe (Commercial Surge Tank Level Control) |
| Nominal Pipe Size | 4.0 in (100 mm / DN100) |
| Inlet Connection Type | Open-Pipe Mount: Female Slip Socket (Schedule 40/80 IPS) or Clamp-On / Threaded Sleeve for direct mounting onto bare 4.0" OD (4.50" actual OD) open pipe end |
| Discharge Configuration | Unobstructed Open-Discharge / Free-Fall Port (zero downstream backpressure) |
| Actuation Mechanism | Mechanical Single-Arm Lever Linkage (direct proportional buoyancy actuation; requires no electricity or compressed air) |
| Valve Body & Housing Material | Heavy-duty machined Schedule 80 PVC, CPVC, or molded high-impact ABS / FRP composite |
| Pivot Arm & Linkage Hardware | 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel arm, clevis pins, and locknuts (eliminates galvanic corrosion and chlorine stress-cracking) |
| Float Ball / Buoyancy Element | Heavy-wall seamless Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene, or 316 Stainless Steel spherical/cylindrical float (typically 8" to 12" diameter) |
| Seat & Disc Seal Material | Replaceable thick-wall EPDM or Neoprene elastomer disc / flapper seal for drip-tight shutoff |
| Recommended Gravity Flow Capacity | Approx. 180 to 350 US gpm (40.9 to 79.5 m³/h) at standard gravity head (1 to 3 ft water column) |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 15 to 25 psi (1.03 to 1.72 bar) — engineered specifically for low-head gravity gutter/main-drain lines |
| Operating Temperature Range | 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C) |
| Level Adjustment Range | Adjustable arm pitch / float rod indexing allows field calibration of shutoff water elevation (+/- 4 to 8 in) |
| Compliance / Standards | NSF/ANSI Standard 50 compatible materials; meets Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) surge tank overflow protection guidelines |
Hydraulic & Mechanical Operating Details
-
Proportional Modulating Action: As surge tank water drops during pump startup or high evaporation, the float descends, swinging the single pivot arm downward to open the 4" valve bore completely. As water returns from the pool gutter system and raises the tank level, buoyancy lifts the arm to progressively throttle and close the EPDM disc against the machined valve seat.
-
Open-Pipe Installation: Designed specifically for retrofits and new builds where the 4" gutter/gravity return line terminates cleanly inside the surge tank wall without an ANSI flange. The valve hub slips directly over or sockets onto the 4" PVC pipe stub and is secured via solvent weld or stainless steel mechanical locking screws.
-
Maintenance Access: Single-arm geometry minimizes submerged moving joints, preventing hair, lint, or scale buildup from binding the linkage and allowing the EPDM disc seal to be serviced without unbolting the main body from the pipe.
-
Shipping Weight: Approx. 12 to 18 lbs (5.4 to 8.2 kg) complete with 4" valve body, 316 SS single pivot arm, adjustable linkage hardware, and float ball.
