Why Circulation Is Important For Your Swimming Pool

Why Pool Circulation is Crucial for a Clean, Clear, and Refreshing Pool

Have you ever jumped into a refreshing pool, swam a few strokes underwater, and suddenly realized you’re holding someone else’s unwanted hair between your fingers? The moment instantly vanishes, and thoughts of a clean shower quickly rise to the top of your to-do list. This unpleasant scenario can happen when your pool's circulation is poor. A pool with inadequate circulation not only harbors unwanted debris but can also transform your sparkling water into algae-filled "pea soup."

Maintaining proper pool circulation is essential for ensuring your water stays fresh, clean, and clear. It plays a pivotal role in the overall cleanliness of your pool, as well as distributing chemicals evenly to prevent algae and other contaminants. In short, without proper circulation, all your efforts in keeping your pool clean could go to waste.

Why Is Pool Circulation So Important?

1. General Cleanliness: The main component of pool circulation is the filter, which should run 8-10 hours per day. The filter pulls water from your pool, cleans it, and returns the purified water back into the pool. This cycle is essential to remove debris and maintain clean water.

2. Chemical Distribution: To keep your pool free of algae and other contaminants, chemicals must be distributed evenly throughout the water. A well-functioning circulation system ensures that your pool's chemical balance is properly maintained, preventing the growth of algae and bacteria.

Key Components of Pool Circulation

To understand how to properly circulate your pool water, it’s essential to know the main components of the circulation system and how they work together to keep your water clean.

1) Water Outlets

Water outlets are where the water drains from the pool to be filtered and possibly heated. There are several types of outlets:

- Skimmer: The most common outlet, typically a rectangular opening with a sliding or swinging door. The pump pulls water from the skimmer to start the filtration process.

- Main Drain: Located at the bottom of the pool, it specifically filters the water near the pool's floor.

- Deep Water Outlet: Found low on one of the side walls, this outlet helps filter water from the deeper areas of the pool.

Common circulation problems can stem from neglecting the skimmer. If it becomes clogged with debris or the skimmer is damaged, it can impede water flow, reducing the system's efficiency.

2) Pump

The pump is a critical component that draws water from the outlets. It passes the water through the hair and lint trap, the main chamber, and eventually onto the filter. Problems with the pump can severely affect circulation, so it’s important to "prime" the pump before running the filter by filling the hair and lint trap with water. This should be done each time the pump is started. Additionally, lubricating the trap's lid gasket with silicone-based lubricant about once a month can keep the system in good working order.

3) Filter

Once the pump has drawn the water in, it flows through the filter, where debris is removed. The filter sends the clean water through a valve mechanism and either on to the heater or directly to the return jets.

4) Returns

The clean water is then pumped back into the pool via the return jets. These jets are typically small openings located on the side of the pool, designed to push the filtered water back into the swimming area. Ideally, these returns should be multi-directional to ensure water is circulated effectively throughout the pool. You can even install new jet fittings to achieve this. It's also a good practice to position the return jets downward, which helps circulate both the top and bottom layers of the pool water.

Addressing Dead Areas in Your Pool

While the circulation system does a lot of work in the background, there are still areas of your pool that can be tough to circulate properly. These so-called "dead areas" include spots that are harder for the circulation system to reach. Common dead areas include:

- Behind ladders

- Pool steps

- Under the skimmer

To ensure these areas stay clean, it’s important to brush them regularly. Brushing helps to dislodge debris and direct it into the main water flow, where it can be filtered and circulated by the system. Aim to brush these dead areas about once a week.

Don’t Forget About Your Pool’s Circulation

Circulation might be a quiet, unseen force working in the background, but it’s one of the most vital aspects of pool maintenance. Neglecting the small maintenance tasks, such as keeping the skimmer free of debris, priming the pump, and brushing dead areas, can result in poor water quality and the dreaded debris in your pool.

By paying attention to the circulation system and performing regular maintenance, you ensure that your pool water stays fresh, clear, and algae-free. Keep your circulation system top-notch, and your pool will thank you with crystal-clear water and a more enjoyable swimming experience.