Airlie Upgraded G52 Backup Valve Replacement Kit, Compare to Zodiac G52, Improved Valve Lifespan, Upgraded Crack Resistant Casing (AR-3-B) (Cream) Discontinued

They offer a lifetime guarantee, I hope we can actually claim on that. You have to consider these valves to be disposable, good for a season. If you get more than one season out of it, be happy. These valves in general are phenomenally cheaply made, with plastic gears and casing. There is a metal axle in there and some metal bushings, but they are not durable. It is advisable to take it apart before installing it, and lube the heck out of it with silicone grease. Lube the fragile little o-ring at the back up port, the o-ring at the main body, and lube the threads of the cap generously. Usually you can't get the screw cap off to take these apart, if you want to try a gearset replacement. By lubing these cap threads generously you increase your chances of being able to unscrew it later. I have given up on expecting these things to last, regardless of manufacturer.UPDATE 2-9-22: The drive pinion broke off as happened to other reviewers, at 11 months in service. Downgraded to 1 star. I stated above they are disposable and maybe good for one season, that proved correct. However I found their website, shot them an email, and they promptly answered an hour and a half later. They are sending a free replacement. So, frankly I don’t care if it’s disposable if they honor that lifetime warranty. Back up to 4 stars for the trouble of the 5minute replacement job!

I just replaced a 2 year old Zodiac G52 with this Airlie G52 and this new one is working great for now. Much more powerful than the other valve ever was, and after 2 years of service, the Zodiac valve was not sealing off completely so there was always some backflow through the valve port which kept 280 cleaner from performing as it should. The Airlie, will pull the unit quite a distance when it reverses, so it helps with the cleaner's efficiency due to it not getting stuck in the repetitive routines that I was seeing before. 2 years for the Zodiac isn't bad relative to pool upkeep expenses, but this Airlie valve does seem to be an upgrade.

Update: Company very responsive …Jack got back to me within hours & set up a replacement (or refund if wanted). Very impressed with customer service.Quit working the first year. Not sure exactly when...just noticed the pool wasn't being cleaned properly & the cleaner kept getting stuck in the corners. Trying to contact company through Amazon. Waiting to hear back.

I tried the original brand valve and two generic replacements in the past twelve months.This one works better than any others I’ve tried.This “Airlie Upgraded G52 Backup Valve Replacement Kit” provides enough pressure to really move my Zodiac around the pool but not so fast that the dirt washes back out of the bag or it gets the feed line tangled like the others I’ve tried. I’m using a 1.5 hp dedicated pump and separate line for this pool, I’ve had three other pools and other cleaners in the past. This valve has saved my Polaris P 285 from the garbage can. Works much better than the original Now works better than the 825 Robot that cost over $ 1000.00!

This item is a good purchase. It was easy to put on and seemed to work as it should. Unfortunately, it didn’t solve my problem of my Polaris not moving.

This pretty much was an OEM replacement part for my Polaris. Took about 5 minutes to swap out the old one for this one. The only issue to note that it doesn't come with new hose nuts to secure the hose. Mine looked okay but were a little worn and I probably would have replaced those at the same time so just something to think about. Either order those at the same time or look for a kit that includes those would be my advice. But judging just this part, it installed with no problems, no tools needed, seems to work fine and had a lifetime warranty - checks all the boxes!

This is my second one in the last four years. The average life span is about 2 years (although some folks on here have barely had 1 year). The first one developed a crack at the collar. The o-ring at the valve ruptured. I suspect these issues are common to G52 style valves (OEM as well as knock offs), based on my anecdotal research. Compare with Pentair E10 (looks like a rectangular block). The E10 was over ten years old before it failed. They can be purchased online between $50-$70. Going back to it, and not looking back.

This Airlie G52 Backup Valve Replacement Kit is a wonderful alternative if yours needs replacement. My original backup valve unit for my Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 model developed a crack and therefore the entire pool cleaner seemed to become non-functioning. Reviewed items available on-line and at my local pool supply store and came across this. Pricing on Amazon was very nicely competitive and ordered to give it a try. Simply removed old one and attached this new one and the unit once again is working great. Airlie's site description indicates this unit is actually an improvement and early indications of its performance I would have to agree with. Thxs Airlie & Amazon!