Importance of Circulation
Circulation is essential to ongoing pool maintenance and one of the key aspects of a healthy swimming pool and spa. Circulation is the process of moving water around the pool via your pump, which allows it to pass through your filtration system, ultimately cleaning it. It also helps disperse any chemicals you add to the water, providing more coverage of the pool and more thorough sanitation.
IMPROVING CIRCULATION:
There’s a few easy ways you can improve your pool’s circulation, starting with angling your return jet(s) in a direction that will create a whirlpool effect. If your pool has only one jet, it’s good practice to direct the jet downwards toward the opposite side of your skimmer. This will circulate the water and kick up the water sitting on your pool floor.
Clean Filter & Pump
After weeks and months of operation, debris can clog your plumbing, your filter and your pump basket(s). If you’re finding that your pool is particularly tough to keep clear, you may be dealing with poor circulation due to clogging.
Dead Areas
Dead areas are spots in your pool that have poor circulation or areas that are generally missed during normal circulation. These areas include:
- Around pool steps
- In cracks, creases and crevices
- Underneath skimmer(s)
- Around ladders
- Deep, sharp corners in your pool’s frame
In some cases these dead areas are unavoidable. You can direct your return jets toward these areas, but you may find yourself maintaining these areas manually using a pool brush or automatic cleaner.
How long should you run your pump?
Circulation is critical to pool maintenance, which makes it essential to have a pool pump. Your pump is the heart of your pool and the heart of your circulation. Be sure to:
- Run your pump and filter 8 to 10 hours a day
- Keep skimmer and pump basket(s) clear of debris
- Angle your return jet(s) to spin the pool water in a circular motion
- Point at least one jet towards the bottom of the pool
- Brush your pool at least once a week and hit all the dead areas