2 inch Slide Gate Valve: The Ultimate Flow Control Solution

Introduction

As an experienced hot tub parts supplier, I’m excited to introduce you to the 2 inch Slide Gate Valve. This versatile and reliable valve is designed to give you ultimate control over your water flow, making it an essential component for any hot tub or spa system.

Product Overview

The 2 inch Slide Gate Valve, manufactured by Las Water48, is a high-quality shut-off valve that offers exceptional performance and durability. With its Socket x Spigot configuration, this valve provides a secure and leak-free connection, ensuring smooth operation throughout its lifespan.

Key Features

Precise Flow Control

The slide gate mechanism allows for precise adjustment of water flow, giving you complete control over your hot tub’s circulation system. Whether you need to completely shut off a section of pipework or fine-tune the flow rate, this valve has got you covered.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

One of the standout features of this valve is its male/female fitting design. This clever configuration allows for direct installation into a pump union without the need for additional pipework. This not only simplifies the installation process but also makes future maintenance a breeze.

Versatile Application

While primarily designed for hot tubs and spas, this valve’s robust construction and reliable performance make it suitable for a wide range of water control applications. From pools to irrigation systems, the 2 inch Slide Gate Valve is up to the task.

Durable Construction

Crafted from high-quality materials, this valve is built to withstand the rigors of constant use in wet environments. Its corrosion-resistant properties ensure longevity, even when exposed to treated water and varying temperatures.

Technical Specifications

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed breakdown of the valve’s specifications:

Specification	Detail
Type	Gate Valve / Slide Valve / Shut off valve
Manufacturer	Las Water48
Configuration	Socket x Spigot
Size Reference	2 inch
Outer Length	80mm
Outer Height	195mm
Outer Depth	87mm
Internal Diameter	62mm
Compatible With	2 inch rigid pipe and 2 inch flexible rigid pipe

Applications

The 2 inch Slide Gate Valve is incredibly versatile, finding use in various scenarios:

1. Isolation for Maintenance: Easily shut off sections of your pipework for repairs or routine maintenance without draining the entire system.
2. Flow Regulation: Adjust the water flow to optimize your hot tub’s performance and energy efficiency.
3. System Upgrades: The valve’s standardized size makes it perfect for integrating new components into your existing setup.

Installation Tips

While installation is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure optimal performance:

1. Always ensure proper alignment when connecting to your pipework.
2. Use appropriate sealants or gaskets to prevent leaks.
3. Avoid over-tightening, which could damage the valve or surrounding components.
4. Regularly exercise the valve to prevent seizing and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

The 2 inch Slide Gate Valve is more than just a component; it’s a crucial tool in maintaining and optimizing your hot tub or spa system. Its robust construction, ease of use, and versatile application make it an indispensable addition to your setup. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, this valve will meet and exceed your expectations.

Upgrade your system today and experience the difference that precise flow control can make!

 

 

USA Imperial is the Standard

 

All hot tubs and their fittings are designed for USA standard of Imperial pipe. Would you believe that for example, a European 2.5″ pipe is different from a USA 2.5″ pipe – well it is and there is just over 2mm difference and it makes a huge difference as it doesn’t fit!

You must make sure that you are using American standard sized pipe – always worth checking with your supplier before you purchase.

Can I convert Metric pipe to Imperial?

 

Yes, you can convert metric pipe to imperial, usually there is a socket connection that will do that. However, what I would preface that with is really, the only reason you would want to do that is say if you have a long run of pipe between your control room and your hot tub. You cant easily get imperial pipe supply but you have found say 75mm pipe that would do the job.

In this instance, it would work to convert it down at each end.

However, what you cannot do (technically you can but it is a real mess to do so) is convert all of the pipework to metric using adaptors. Generally, this just doesn’t work, costs loads in just adaptors alone and the amount of joints means you are going to have some leaks!

What rating of pipe do I need?

 

Pipe is rated to different pressures. You must use pressure rated pipe on your hot tub build as it is a pressurised system. In general, any pipe that is rated to 130 PSI or 9 BAR can be used on a hot tub build. This is often referred to as Class C. Likewise, Class E which is rated to 15 BAR or 218 PSI is also commonly found on hot tub builds.

Anything less than 130 PSI or 9 BAR should not be used – the pipes are not waste water pipes that are commonly found in hardware stores. They must be pressure rated and you will see this printed on the side of all the pipe so there will be no confusion.

What about Schedule 40 Pipe?

 

The schedule number on pipe correlates to the thickness of the wall on the pipe: as the number increases, the thicker the wall thickness is. Also, what is interesting is that while the schedule number can be the same on different sized pipes, the actual wall thickness will be different.

However, for our DIY Hot Tubs, we would only opt for schedule 40 – schedule 80 would be an overkill.

We also only use schedule 40 pipe if it is being buried and there is considerable weight on it. What I mean by this is that you need the physical strength of the pipe to stop it being crushed and cracked. In most cases, regular pressure rated pipe is just fine.

Should I use Rigid or Semi-Flexible Pipe?

 

When I built my own hot tub, I opted for semi-flexible as I though that it would be a little more forgiving. It is, however it is now my experience that the fact it is forgiving, and I use that in a loosest of terms as it is still pretty rigid pipe, it is more likely to leak.

The reason that it is more likely to leak is that you can “force” the joint when there is a little bit of give in the pipe. If you force the joint as I have said many times on this blog and on my YouTube Channel, you are going to have leaks – and it did!

For that reason, wherever possible today I recommend that you use rigid pipe. You have to make a good joint and it has to be accurate. It is forcing your workmanship which you will benefit from in the long run. Rigid pipe is the way forward for your DIY Hot Tub build.

Support your Pipework

 

If you pick up a length of pipe, 2m/6ft, there is not a lot of weight in it at all. However, if you fill that same pipe with water, cap it off each end and try to lift it, you will notice there is a huge weight increase. Water is heavy. If you have long runs of pipe, you must support them. Whether this is in ground and they should be laid correctly with a gravel base or if it is on your hot tub, they should be tied and pinned to the block work.

If you dont support your pipes and they fill with water, you can put strain on the joints that over time, will work their way loose and leak. It only takes a couple of minutes to tie your pipes and support them and it will save a whole bunch of time and money on repairs in the future by getting this right from the start.

Making the perfect joint with PVC pipe cement.

 

On this blog and on my YouTube Channel I talk a lot about making the correct joints and that a well made joint doesn’t leak. So, how do you make a well made joint?

1. Make sure when you cut the pipes you are cutting them at 90 degrees so they fit into the fittings correctly.
2. Make sure you remove any rough edges from your cuts
3. Ensure you are roughing up 3″ of the pipe with sand paper before you make the connection
4. Apply PVC Pipe Cement to the pipe and the connection
5. Twist the pipe or fitting as you are inserting it to prevent “channeling” which leads to leaks
6. Make sure the pipe goes all the way into the fitting (always a good idea to mark the ideal depth you want to get to)
7. Wipe off any excess pipe cement.
8. Allow to cure for 4 hours for full strength