Valve for reconfigurable water distribution system with a single pump for multiple functions for a walk-in tub bathtub

A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in bathtub, comprising:

• a motorized pump having a motor housing, an inlet connected to a suction port of a water reservoir of a walk-in bathtub and an outlet for delivering pressurized water during operation of the pump;
• a valve coupled directly to the motorized pump, the valve having a housing with a valve housing inlet directly coupled to the pump outlet for receiving pressurized water directly from the pump, said valve being selectively positioned at least in a first position directing water to a valve housing first outlet and a second position directing water to a valve housing second outlet, said valve housing having a lower portion having a plurality of first alignment tabs and a motor cap having a plurality of second alignment tabs configured to align with the plurality of first alignment tabs, each said second alignment tab having a pivotal catch configured to engage one first alignment tab of the plurality of first alignment tabs, and
• a controller connected to the valve for movement between the first position and the second position for communicating pressurized water selectively to one of the outlet ports of the first position and the second position,
• whereby the reconfigurable water distribution system selectively provides a plurality of operational bathtub functions independently with one pump.

A valve for a reconfigurable water distribution system, comprising:

• a valve housing having a water-tight lower portion and a water-tight motor cap removably mounted to the lower portion, the lower portion having an inlet for receiving pressurized water from a pump, a first outlet for communicating pressurized water to a first piping system, and a second outlet for communicating pressurized water to a second piping system;
• the motor cap defining a motor cavity housing an electric motor having a motor gear;
• a valve gear configured to mesh with the motor gear for rotational actuation of the valve gear through actuation of motor gear, the valve gear being positioned within the cavity of the motor cap;
• the valve being selectively movable to a first position for communicating pressurized water through the first outlet for a first water use function, the valve being selectively movable to a second position for communicating pressurized water through the second outlet for a second water use function,
• whereby the electric motor is readily accessible for replacement for use in a reconfigurable water distribution system that selectively provides multiple operational functions independently with one pump.