Views: 222 Author: Tina Publish Time: 2025-08-21 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding Pool Circulation and Filtration
● Why and When to Use Recirculate Mode
>> Primary Uses for Recirculation
● Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Your Pump to Recirculate
>> For Sand/DE Filters With Multiport Valves
>> For Cartridge Filters Without Multiport Valves
>> For Pools Without Multiport Valves
● Recirculate vs. Other Pool Modes
● Advanced Tips for Pool Recirculation
● Troubleshooting Common Issues
● Industry Applications and Special Use Cases
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. When should I use my pool pump in recirculate mode?
>> 2. Does running the pump on recirculate clean my pool?
>> 3. Is recirculate mode available for all pool filters?
>> 4. How long can I safely run my pump in recirculate mode?
>> 5. Can I vacuum my pool while in recirculate?
>> 6. What safety measures should I follow when switching valve positions?
>> 7. Why does my pressure gauge read lower in recirculate mode?
>> 8. Can running in recirculate help with low temperatures?
Efficient pool maintenance requires understanding not only filtration, but also specialized plumbing settings. The ability to recirculate your pool pump without filtering is essential for proper chemical mixing, troubleshooting, and seasonal maintenance. This detailed guide is targeted at pool owners, technical professionals, and maintenance contractors looking to optimize their pool systems for long-term health, performance, and cost-efficiency. Visual diagrams and video tutorials enrich the learning experience, making technical processes easy to follow.[1][2][3][4]
Your pool's circulation system has five main components:
- Pump: Draws pool water to be processed.
- Skimmer: Captures and removes floating debris.
- Filter: Traps finer particulates, operating as sand, DE (diatomaceous earth), or cartridge types.
- Multiport Valve: Regulates how and where water flows (filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate).
- Return Jets: Return processed water to the pool for complete circulation.
This closed loop ensures water is evenly treated and conditioned, supporting chemical balance and clarity. During standard filtration, water flows from the pool to the pump, through the filter media, and then returns, cleansed, to the pool. Regular filtration removes dirt, pollutants, and microbes, but it also subjects the filter media to clogging risks during chemical treatments or following storms.[5][6][1]
Recirculation mode is a special setting on multiport valves. It routes water from the pump directly back to the pool, SKIPPING the filter media stage.
You should use recirculate mode in these cases:
- Chemical dispersal: Distribute pool shock, flocculants, or pH balancers rapidly without clogging filter media.
- Filter repairs or cleaning: Allow water circulation while the filter is offline, maintaining pool movement and preventing stagnation.
- Prevent filter clogging: After heavy leaf fall, algae blooms, or use of clarifiers, when filter media would block quickly.
- Heat distribution: Modern pools may use solar or auxiliary heaters; recirculate mode helps rapidly equilibrate water temperatures across the entire pool.
- Troubleshooting: If your filtration system is malfunctioning, recirculate mode keeps water moving to avoid algal blooms and odor.
Recirculation is designed for short-term use. Extended operation in this setting leads to cloudy water and hygiene risks, since debris and contaminants are NOT removed from circulation.[3][7][1]
1. Turn off the pool pump! This prevents valve and gasket damage.
2. Find the multiport valve—mounted on top or beside the filter tank.
3. Press down the multiport valve handle, then turn it to “Recirculate.”
4. Confirm the valve clicks positively into place.
5. Restart the pump. Water flows directly from pump back to pool, bypassing filter media.
6. Observe water flow, looking for leaks, air, or resistance. Check gauge for abnormal pressure (should be low in recirculate mode).
7. When finished (after dispersal or maintenance), turn off the pump again and return multiport valve to “Filter” for normal operation.
Cartridge filters typically lack a recirculate mode. However, a temporary bypass can be achieved:
- Remove filter cartridge while the pump is off.
- Secure and reclose the housing.
- Restart pump.
This enables short-term recirculation (useful for chemical mixing, NOT for normal pool operation!).
- Prolonged use risks particulate damage to plumbing.
If your system uses simple plumbing or alternative valves:
- Employ manual return valve adjustment (if available) or install a dedicated bypass line with a valve.
- Consult manufacturer plumbing layout diagrams for your model before attempting modifications.[7][10][11]
| Setting | Function | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Water passes through filter media, returns cleaned | Routine cleaning, daily operation |
| Backwash | Reverses flow, sends dirt from filter to drain | After filter pressure rise, periodic |
| Rinse | Resettles sand/DE media after backwash | Immediately after backwash |
| Waste | Sends water out of system, bypasses both pool and filter | Debris removal, vacuum to waste |
| Recirculate | Bypasses filter, water returns unfiltered to pool | Chemical mixing, filter maintenance |
| Closed | Shuts all flow through system | Service, off-season |
| Winter | Prepares entire system for winterization | End of season |
- Run the pump in recirculate mode for only 1–3 hours during chemical mixing or treatments. Switch back to filter mode to capture debris.
- Check pressure gauge regularly; pressure should be notably lower than filter mode. Prolonged high pressure in recirculate mode signals plumbing blockage.
- To prevent air locks, always bleed air from your system using provided air-release valves after mode changes.
- Inspect for leaks at multiport or union joints after switching modes.
- For inground pools, minimize recirculate duration—above ground pools may tolerate slightly longer use due to lower bather loads.
- Record maintenance in your pool log for warranty and troubleshooting purposes.
Pump runs but poor water flow in recirculate mode:
- Possible valve misalignment—repeat mode selection.
- Check for closed return valves or blockages in return lines.
Water cloudy after recirculation:
- Switch promptly back to filter mode. Run filter longer to clean out contaminants stirred up during recirculation.
Air bubbles or “gulping” noises:
- Check all lid gaskets, union connections, and skimmer water level for leaks.
Multiport valve difficult to turn:
- Pump was left on during adjustment—turn off pump, lubricate or check for internal sand buildup.
Persistent high pressure:
- Possible partial restriction in plumbing; inspect all lines for blockages, especially after debris events.
Pump won't prime after returning to filter:
- Ensure filter media is properly installed, check for closed valves, and bleed any trapped air.
For OEM suppliers, wholesalers, and pool product manufacturers, understanding recirculation is critical for:
- R&D on new filtration systems: Testing chemical dispersion, evaluating pump performance without filter resistance.
- Customer training: Educating end users and contractors on safe maintenance procedures.
- Service calls: Quick diagnosis for filtration or circulation problems—recirculation allows temporary operation while awaiting parts.
- Export models: Ensuring international buyers receive systems with clear instructions for each valve setting, especially in regions with unique maintenance needs.
Many top Chinese OEM factories—like ours—engineer multi-functional sand filters, robust multiport valves, and high-efficiency pumps that serve demanding global clients. Our automated manufacturing quality ensures the durability and precision necessary for seamless multiport operation across climates.[15][8]
Mastering your pool system's *recirculate mode* is a vital skill for safe, effective pool management, whether you're a homeowner, technician, or manufacturer. Knowing when and how to run the pump without filtering not only aids chemical treatments and filter maintenance, but also protects equipment and avoids costly downtime. By following this in-depth guide's technical steps, visual diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and advanced safety advice, you'll maintain optimal water quality, prolong equipment lifespan, and provide seamless service to pool users and clients.
Recirculate mode is idea for distributing chemicals, preventing filter clogging after heavy debris, or while your filter is being serviced.[4][1][3]
No—recirculate only mixes water and chemicals, without filtering out dirt or contaminants. Switch back to filter mode promptly after mixing.[6]
Almost all sand and DE filters with multiport valves have this setting. Cartridge filters do not, but they can be temporarily bypassed by removing the cartridge.[3][7]
Limit use to 1–3 hours for chemical dispersal or troubleshooting. Longer use leads to dirty, cloudy water—and possible health risks.[1]
No; debris will redeposit in pool. Use filter or waste modes for vacuuming jobs, depending on amount and type of debris.[9][14][4]
Always turn off the pump before moving the multiport valve handle. Never force the valve, and always check for leaks and reset after switching.[8][3]
There's less resistance—water is bypassing the filter media, returning unfiltered to the pool.[1]
Yes; it helps circulate heat after shock treatments, salting, or temperature changes—but remember to filter afterward.[6]
[1](https://thepoolanddeck.com/when-to-put-pool-on-recirculate/)
[2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFMeNuQuB-Y)
[3](https://www.browningpools.com/blog/multiport-valve-101)
[4](https://www.aquagem.com/news/what-is-a-multiport-valve-and-what-does-it-do-on-pool-filter)
[5](https://beatbot.com/blogs/pool-care-solutions/mastering-pool-pump-recirculation-how-to-circulate-water-without-filtering)
[6](https://sodramar.com.br/en/blog/pool-cleaning-and-maintenance/What-is-the-difference-between-filtering-and-recirculating-pool-water%3F/)
[7](https://www.mavaquadoc.com/blogs/pool-maintenance-blog/how-to-run-a-pool-pump-without-it-filtering)
[8](https://www.speck-pumps.co.za/multiport-valves/)
[9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmXdio44FTY)
[10](https://www.reddit.com/r/swimmingpools/comments/14uix8e/this_is_my_whole_system_any_idea_how_to_circulate/)
[11](https://www.designertanks.com.au/assets/files/pool-plumbing-layoutv8.pdf)
[12](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/swimming-pool-valves-diagram--951174383771202529/)
[13](https://www.inyopools.com/HowToPage/how_a_multiport_valve_operates.aspx?CommentPage=1)
[14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfY71R1U4_Q)
[15](https://www.shutterstock.com/search/multiport-valve)