Viega ManaBloc Manifold System
Viega's ManaBloc Manifold System is a professional-grade PEX manifold engineered for precise zone control, individual shutoffs and leak-resistant connections, making it well suited to hydrotherapy and contrast therapy installations that demand balanced flow and repeatable temperature control. Compared with the pool- and spa-focused valves on this list, ManaBloc offers higher corrosion resistance, modular expansion and better integration with hydronic heaters and recirculation loops — a higher upfront investment that reduces lifecycle maintenance and improves system-level performance.
Modular space-saver
Push-fit speed
Modular space-saver
Push-fit speed
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Viega ManaBloc for professional-grade build quality, leak-free press connections, and long-term reliability, though several note it is pricier and requires compatible tooling. Overall it’s seen as a durable, high-performance manifold for commercial and high-end residential hydrotherapy installs."
Pipe-whisper tidy
Prefabricated brass manifold with integrated supply/return ports for precise zone balancing in therapy loops.
Pipe-whisper tidy
Prefabricated brass manifold with integrated supply/return ports for precise zone balancing in therapy loops.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Viega's ManaBloc Manifold System is a professional-grade PEX manifold engineered for precise zone control, individual shutoffs and leak-resistant connections, making it well suited to hydrotherapy and contrast therapy installations that demand balanced flow and repeatable temperature control. Compared with the pool- and spa-focused valves on this list, ManaBloc offers higher corrosion resistance, modular expansion and better integration with hydronic heaters and recirculation loops — a higher upfront investment that reduces lifecycle maintenance and improves system-level performance.
Modular space-saver
Push-fit speed
Pipe-whisper tidy
Prefabricated brass manifold with integrated supply/return ports for precise zone balancing in therapy loops.
High-quality brass construction with serviceable shutoffs and stainless fasteners for long-term reliability in hydrotherapy systems.
Modular space-saver
Push-fit speed
Pipe-whisper tidy
Prefabricated brass manifold with integrated supply/return ports for precise zone balancing in therapy loops.
High-quality brass construction with serviceable shutoffs and stainless fasteners for long-term reliability in hydrotherapy systems.
Uponor ProPEX EP Manifold
The Uponor ProPEX EP Manifold pairs the proven ProPEX expansion connection technology with a compact manifold design that tolerates elevated temperatures and repeated thermal cycling common in contrast therapy. It is typically more cost-effective and faster to install than metal manifold alternatives like Viega while delivering similarly low pressure drop and reliable service, though it sacrifices some of the heavy-commercial robustness and modular accessory ecosystem found in the ManaBloc line.
Push-fit pro
Corrosion-proof champ
Push-fit pro
Corrosion-proof champ
Review Summary
"Installers like the Uponor ProPEX EP manifold for its straightforward PEX connections, solid construction, and dependable performance over time; some users mention added cost for fittings and limited local stock. It’s widely regarded as a reliable choice for repeated-use hydrotherapy systems."
Hot/cold balance
Engineered manifold compatible with ProPEX fittings for secure, low-leak PEX connections used in hydrotherapy piping.
Hot/cold balance
Engineered manifold compatible with ProPEX fittings for secure, low-leak PEX connections used in hydrotherapy piping.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Uponor ProPEX EP Manifold pairs the proven ProPEX expansion connection technology with a compact manifold design that tolerates elevated temperatures and repeated thermal cycling common in contrast therapy. It is typically more cost-effective and faster to install than metal manifold alternatives like Viega while delivering similarly low pressure drop and reliable service, though it sacrifices some of the heavy-commercial robustness and modular accessory ecosystem found in the ManaBloc line.
Push-fit pro
Corrosion-proof champ
Hot/cold balance
Engineered manifold compatible with ProPEX fittings for secure, low-leak PEX connections used in hydrotherapy piping.
Individual circuit shutoffs and optional flow metering allow accurate flow distribution for contrast therapy zones.
Push-fit pro
Corrosion-proof champ
Hot/cold balance
Engineered manifold compatible with ProPEX fittings for secure, low-leak PEX connections used in hydrotherapy piping.
Individual circuit shutoffs and optional flow metering allow accurate flow distribution for contrast therapy zones.
$250-650 CAD
Waterway Plastics 3-Way Diverter Valve
Waterway Plastics' 3-way diverter valve is an economical thermoplastic solution optimized for spa and small-scale hydrotherapy plumbing where chemical resistance and ease of replacement are priorities. Compared with metal manifolds and commercial diverters, it offers the lowest acquisition cost and simple field servicing, though it lacks the precision flow balancing and high-temperature durability of PEX manifolds from Viega or Uponor.
Smooth flow switch
Compact diverter disco
Smooth flow switch
Compact diverter disco
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Waterway Plastics 3-way diverter valve for its affordability and ease of replacement, but many report shorter lifespan and occasional leaks compared with metal valves, especially under heavy, long-term hydrotherapy use. It’s considered a good budget option but not the most durable for high-cycle applications."
Retrofit-ready fit
Economical 3-way diverter in corrosion-resistant plastic ideal for routing water between spa jets or therapy circuits.
Retrofit-ready fit
Economical 3-way diverter in corrosion-resistant plastic ideal for routing water between spa jets or therapy circuits.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Waterway Plastics' 3-way diverter valve is an economical thermoplastic solution optimized for spa and small-scale hydrotherapy plumbing where chemical resistance and ease of replacement are priorities. Compared with metal manifolds and commercial diverters, it offers the lowest acquisition cost and simple field servicing, though it lacks the precision flow balancing and high-temperature durability of PEX manifolds from Viega or Uponor.
Smooth flow switch
Compact diverter disco
Retrofit-ready fit
Economical 3-way diverter in corrosion-resistant plastic ideal for routing water between spa jets or therapy circuits.
Compact, lightweight design with simple manual lever actuation for quick switching during contrast therapy sessions.
Smooth flow switch
Compact diverter disco
Retrofit-ready fit
Economical 3-way diverter in corrosion-resistant plastic ideal for routing water between spa jets or therapy circuits.
Compact, lightweight design with simple manual lever actuation for quick switching during contrast therapy sessions.
Jandy NeverLube 3-Way Valve
Jandy's NeverLube 3-way valve is a durable, service-minimizing diverter designed for frequent switching in spa and pool applications, offering a sealed, low-friction actuator that reduces leak points and routine maintenance. For hydrotherapy and contrast therapy users it represents a middle ground: more reliable and automation-friendly than basic plastic diverters like Waterway, and typically less costly than full manifold systems while providing superior service life in chlorinated environments.
Lube-free longevity
Sealed smooth turn
Lube-free longevity
Sealed smooth turn
Review Summary
"The Jandy NeverLube 3-way valve is frequently commended for dependable, low-maintenance operation and long service life with fewer seal issues than competitors, though some users cite higher replacement part costs. Overall it’s seen as a robust, long-lasting valve for hydrotherapy and pool systems."
Spa-proof reliability
Robust composite body with NeverLube sealing system that minimizes maintenance and avoids seal lubrication needs.
Spa-proof reliability
Robust composite body with NeverLube sealing system that minimizes maintenance and avoids seal lubrication needs.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Jandy's NeverLube 3-way valve is a durable, service-minimizing diverter designed for frequent switching in spa and pool applications, offering a sealed, low-friction actuator that reduces leak points and routine maintenance. For hydrotherapy and contrast therapy users it represents a middle ground: more reliable and automation-friendly than basic plastic diverters like Waterway, and typically less costly than full manifold systems while providing superior service life in chlorinated environments.
Lube-free longevity
Sealed smooth turn
Spa-proof reliability
Robust composite body with NeverLube sealing system that minimizes maintenance and avoids seal lubrication needs.
Smooth rotor action and positive port sealing provide reliable switching between therapy circuits and jets.
Lube-free longevity
Sealed smooth turn
Spa-proof reliability
Robust composite body with NeverLube sealing system that minimizes maintenance and avoids seal lubrication needs.
Smooth rotor action and positive port sealing provide reliable switching between therapy circuits and jets.
Hayward SP0735 Multiport Valve
The Hayward SP0735 multiport valve is a widely used, versatile control valve for filtration and flow routing in pools and therapy pools, allowing rapid position changes (filter, backwash, bypass) and robust chemical resistance. It is cost-effective, easy to source and supported globally, making it a practical choice for managing large-volume flows in contrast therapy systems, though it is not a direct substitute for fine manifold-level flow balancing or high-temperature hydronic manifolds like Viega or Uponor.
Multi-position maestro
Handle-change hero
Multi-position maestro
Handle-change hero
Review Summary
"The Hayward SP0735 multiport valve is viewed as a solid, well-built multiport option with good flow control and spare-part availability, but reviewers occasionally report handle wear and O-ring maintenance after extended use. It’s regarded as a reliable mainstream multiport valve for therapy pools and spas."
Backwash boss
6-position top-mount multiport valve for directing flow (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, Closed) in pool/spa therapy systems.
Backwash boss
6-position top-mount multiport valve for directing flow (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, Closed) in pool/spa therapy systems.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
The Hayward SP0735 multiport valve is a widely used, versatile control valve for filtration and flow routing in pools and therapy pools, allowing rapid position changes (filter, backwash, bypass) and robust chemical resistance. It is cost-effective, easy to source and supported globally, making it a practical choice for managing large-volume flows in contrast therapy systems, though it is not a direct substitute for fine manifold-level flow balancing or high-temperature hydronic manifolds like Viega or Uponor.
Multi-position maestro
Handle-change hero
Backwash boss
6-position top-mount multiport valve for directing flow (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, Closed) in pool/spa therapy systems.
Durable ABS construction with indexed handle positions for repeatable routing during hydrotherapy and contrast routines.
Multi-position maestro
Handle-change hero
Backwash boss
6-position top-mount multiport valve for directing flow (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, Closed) in pool/spa therapy systems.
Durable ABS construction with indexed handle positions for repeatable routing during hydrotherapy and contrast routines.
$200-450 CAD