A multiport valve consists of a valve body machined from a solid block material with a minimum of three tube ends.

Multiport valves are also available in 1.5″ and 2″ models which refers to the size of the pipe connections. 1.5″ valves are used on smaller filters, and 2″ valves are used with larger filter models, and on pools with 2″ PVC plumbing, to provide for higher flow rates. Slide valves, also called push-pull valves, are an alternative side mounted valve for sand or DE filters that offer higher flow rates with less restriction, but only allow two functions, filter or backwash.