What is Recirculate on Pool Filter and How It Benefits Your Pool Maintenance

Ever wondered what the “recirculate” setting on your pool filter actually does? You’re not alone. Many pool owners find themselves puzzled by this feature, unsure of when or why to use it.

Imagine you’ve just cleaned your pool, and the water looks crystal clear. You want to keep it that way without going through the hassle of a full filtration cycle. That’s where the recirculate setting comes in handy. This article will explain what recirculate means, when to use it, and how it can help maintain your pool’s clarity and hygiene. By the end, you’ll feel more confident managing your pool’s filtration system and keeping your swim space inviting.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Recirculation: The recirculate setting on a pool filter circulates water without filtering it, useful for specific scenarios like after cleaning or adding chemicals.
• When to Use Recirculate: Use this setting immediately after pool cleaning, during chemical treatments, or when performing maintenance on the filter or pump.
• Benefits of Recirculate: It reduces strain on the filter, allows quick water circulation, and prevents a dirty filter from clogging further.
• Improves Water Hygiene: Regular use helps maintain water clarity and hygiene, discouraging algae growth and promoting a healthier swimming environment.
• Effective Chemical Distribution: Recirculation aids in the even distribution of chemicals throughout the pool, improving treatment effectiveness.
• Easy to Operate: Switching to recirculate is straightforward—simply adjust the multiport valve on your pool filter and restart the pump.

What Is Recirculate on Pool Filter

The “recirculate” setting on a pool filter allows water to flow through the pump without passing through the filter media. Instead of filtering the water, this setting simply circulates it, making it useful for specific situations.

When to Use Recirculate

• After Cleaning: Use the recirculate setting right after vacuuming or cleaning your pool. It helps distribute any debris and particles stirred up during cleaning.
• For Chemical Distribution: When adding chemicals, switch to recirculate. This setting helps mix chemicals more evenly throughout the pool.
• During Pump Maintenance: If you need to work on your filter or pump, using recirculate can keep the water moving without running the filter.

Benefits of Using Recirculate

• Less Strain on the Filter: The recirculate setting reduces wear on the filter media, extending its lifespan.
• Quick Water Circulation: It provides immediate circulation, which can maintain water clarity temporarily.
• Avoids Clogging a Dirty Filter: When your filter is dirty, recirculating water prevents additional particles from clogging it further.

1. Locate the Multiport Valve: This valve is typically found on top of your filter.
2. Turn Off the Pump: Before changing any settings, always turn off the pump.
3. Adjust the Valve Handle: Move the handle to the “Recirculate” position.
4. Turn On the Pump: Restart the pump to begin recirculating water.

By using the recirculate setting effectively, you maintain water clarity without overworking your pool filter.

Importance of Recirculate Function

The recirculate function on a pool filter plays a crucial role in maintaining your pool’s health and cleanliness. This setting ensures water circulates through the system without passing through the filter. Understanding its importance helps you make better decisions for your pool maintenance.

Benefits for Pool Maintenance

• Reduces Filter Strain: Using the recirculate function lessens the workload on your filter. When the filter encounters heavy debris or is clogged, this setting helps prevent damage by allowing water to circulate without forcing it through a dirty filter.
• Assists in Chemical Distribution: While adding chemicals, circulating the water without filtering ensures even distribution. This method enhances the effectiveness of treatments, such as chlorine, improving overall water balance.
• Prevents Clogging: In instances where the filter is excessively dirty, the recirculate setting keeps water moving. This action prevents additional debris from settling in the filter, extending its lifespan and maintaining system efficiency.

• Improves Clarity: Although the recirculate function doesn’t filter water, it keeps it in motion. This movement discourages algae growth and helps maintain clearer water until proper filtration resumes.
• Enhances Flow Rates: When pools suffer from low flow rates, using the recirculate setting can aid in maintaining circulation. This flow is vital for evenly distributing chemicals and preventing stagnant areas, which can attract debris.
• Boosts Overall Water Hygiene: Regularly employing the recirculate function contributes to better water hygiene. By merging with chemical treatments and keeping water moving, it ensures a more welcoming swimming environment.

By recognizing these essential benefits, you can effectively utilize the recirculate function to maintain a healthier and cleaner pool.

How Recirculate Works

The recirculate setting plays a key role in managing your pool’s water flow. It facilitates water circulation without passing it through the filter, which serves several practical functions.

Components Involved

1. Multiport Valve: The selector controls options, allowing you to switch to “recirculate.”
2. Pump: The pump draws water from the pool and pushes it back into the pool through return jets.
3. Return Jets: These jets distribute water evenly across the pool surface, enhancing circulation.

1. Water Intake: Water enters through the skimmer, drawn by the pump.
2. Bypass Filter: Instead of going through the filter, the water flows directly through the multiport valve to the return jets.
3. Water Redistribution: Water exits through the return jets, creating circulation without filtration, ensuring chemical distribution and preventing stagnation.

Understanding how these components work together enables you to utilize the recirculate function effectively.

Common Misconceptions

Many pool owners harbor misconceptions about the recirculate setting on their pool filters. Clearing up these misunderstandings helps you use your system more effectively.

Misunderstandings About Filtering

Some think the recirculate mode filters the water. In reality, it moves water without any filtration. When you set your filter to recirculate, water flows directly to the return jets, bypassing the filter entirely. This setting aids in mixing chemicals, like chlorine, throughout the pool. It’s useful during chemical shocking, but don’t rely on it for cleaning debris or particles.

Reasons to Use Recirculate Mode

Recirculate mode offers several practical benefits:

1. Chemical Distribution: It promotes even dispersal of added pool chemicals.
2. Heat Retention: It helps maintain temperature in heated pools.
3. System Maintenance: It reduces wear on the filter by minimizing clogging, especially during heavy debris seasons.
4. Quick Response: It provides immediate circulation if a problem arises, such as cloudiness or algae formation, without engaging the filter.

Utilizing the recirculate setting at the right times enhances water quality and extends the life of your pool equipment.

Conclusion

Using the recirculate setting on your pool filter can be a game changer for maintaining a clean and healthy pool. It helps distribute chemicals evenly and keeps your water circulating without putting extra strain on your filter.

By understanding when and how to use this function you can enhance your pool’s performance and extend the life of your equipment. So next time you’re adjusting your multiport valve remember the benefits of recirculating—your pool will thank you for it. Enjoy your time in the water!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “recirculate” setting on pool filters?

The “recirculate” setting on pool filters allows water to flow through the system without passing through the filter. This setting helps maintain water circulation and distribute chemicals evenly without putting strain on the filter.

When should I use the recirculate setting?

Use the recirculate setting when you want to circulate water without filtering it, such as during chemical treatments or when the filter is getting backwashed. It’s also useful for maintaining heat in heated pools.

Does the recirculate setting filter the water?

No, the recirculate setting does not filter the water. It bypasses the filter, sending water directly back to the pool’s return jets, which helps in distributing chemicals and maintaining circulation.

What are the benefits of using the recirculate setting?

Using the recirculate setting promotes even chemical distribution, maintains heat in heated pools, reduces wear on the filter, and provides a quick response for circulation during water quality issues.

How do I adjust the multiport valve for recirculation?

To adjust the multiport valve for recirculation, turn the valve handle to the “Recirculate” position. Make sure the pump is off before making any adjustments, and then turn the pump back on after setting the valve.