what does recirculate do on a pool filter

Natashya

2 min read

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25-12-2024

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Maintaining a sparkling clean and healthy swimming pool involves understanding the role of your filtration system. One key component often found on pool pumps is the "recirculate" setting. But what exactly does recirculate do on a pool filter? This article will clarify its function and benefits.

Understanding Your Pool's Filtration System

Before diving into the specifics of recirculation, let's briefly review how a typical pool filtration system works. The system generally includes:

• Pump: This powerful motor draws water from your pool, pushing it through the filter.
• Filter: This component removes debris, contaminants, and algae from the water. Common filter types include sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
• Return Jets: After filtering, the cleaned water is pushed back into the pool through these jets.

This constant circulation keeps your pool water clean and prevents the buildup of unwanted substances.

What is the Recirculate Function?

The recirculate function on your pool pump bypasses the filter. Instead of filtering the water, the pump simply circulates the existing pool water without passing it through the filter media. Think of it as a "quick-clean" option.

When to Use Recirculate:

• Adding Chemicals: When adding chemicals like chlorine or algaecide, recirculating the water helps distribute them evenly throughout the pool more quickly and efficiently. This ensures consistent treatment and prevents chemical buildup in certain areas.

• After Cleaning: After manually cleaning the pool (e.g., vacuuming, brushing), recirculating helps to quickly redistribute the loosened debris and sediment that may have been stirred up. This speeds up the process of removing these particles, especially if you have a powerful pool pump.

• Temperature Regulation: In some cases, recirculating can subtly help with temperature distribution within the pool, ensuring more even heating or cooling.

• Troubleshooting: Recirculation can be useful for diagnosing problems with the filtration system. If there's a blockage or issue within the filter, using the recirculate function can help identify the source of the problem. Without the filter, if the pump works properly, it points to an issue within the filter itself.

When NOT to Use Recirculate:

• Regular Cleaning: Recirculating cannot replace the regular filtration process. It simply moves the water; it doesn't remove any debris or contaminants. Consistent filtering is essential for maintaining water quality.

• Long Periods: Prolonged use of the recirculate function without proper filtration can lead to a buildup of debris and algae, potentially resulting in cloudy water. The filter is crucial for removing harmful contaminants and keeping your pool water safe for swimming.

• Dirty Water: If your pool water is already visibly dirty, you should address the underlying issue by cleaning the filter and then running the pump on its normal filter cycle, not recirculation mode.

Maintaining Your Pool Pump and Filter

Regular maintenance of both your pool pump and filter is essential for optimal performance and water quality. This includes:

• Backwashing (sand filters): This process reverses the flow of water to remove trapped debris from the filter media.
• Cleaning or replacing filter cartridges: Depending on your filter type, regular cleaning or replacement of filter cartridges will be required.
• Inspecting pump impeller and seals: Check for any signs of wear or damage, as these components are crucial for the pump's efficiency.
• Regular chemical balancing: Maintaining proper water chemistry is critical to the success of your pool care.

By understanding the function of the recirculate feature and the importance of proper filtration, you can keep your pool clean, healthy, and enjoyable for years to come. Remember, recirculation is a helpful tool, but regular filtration remains the cornerstone of effective pool maintenance.