Views: 222 Author: Tina Publish Time: 2025-07-29 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding Pool Pump Settings
● What Exactly is “Recirculate” on a Pool Pump?
● How Recirculation Differs from Filtration
● When Should You Use Recirculate Mode?
>> 1. After Pool Shocking or Chemical Addition
>> 2. When Filter Needs Repair, Maintenance, or Cleaning
>> 3. For Treating Severe Algae or Cloudy Water
>> 4. Seasonal Openings & Closings
>> 5. Emergency Water Movement
● Benefits of Recirculate Mode
● How to Use Recirculate Mode Safely: Step-by-Step Guide
● Professional Tips for OEMs and Brands
● Advanced Pool Care: Integrating Recirculate with Modern Technology
>> Q1: What is recirculate mode on a pool pump?
>> Q2: Does recirculate clean my pool water?
>> Q3: When should I use recirculate instead of filter?
>> Q4: How can I safely switch to recirculate mode?
>> Q5: Is it harmful to leave my pool on recirculate mode for a long time?
A crystal-clear swimming pool is a joy for families, hotel guests, and sports clubs alike. Behind the scenes, a robust pool pump and filtration system does most of the heavy lifting—removing debris, circulating chemicals, and ensuring healthy water. While many users are familiar with the standard "Filter" setting, fewer truly understand the other modes, especially Recirculate.
Learning to use the recirculate mode properly is an essential addition to your pool care skillset. Let's explore what recirculate means, how to use it, and why it matters.
Most pool pumps, especially multiport valve sand filters and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters, offer several operational settings, including:
- Filter: Sends water from the pool through the filter media, removing particulates before returning the water.
- Backwash: Reverses water flow through the filter to flush out trapped debris.
- Rinse: After backwashing, rinses debris out of the filter and waste line.
- Waste/Drain: Bypasses the filter and dumps water directly from the pool, often used for removing excessive water or vacuuming out large debris.
- Recirculate: Returns water from the pump back into the pool without passing through the filter media.
The recirculate setting redirects water drawn from the pool and returns it straight back without passing through the filter media. In this mode, the pump keeps water moving and mixing, but does not remove debris, dirt, or algae.
| Feature | Filter Mode | Recirculate Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Path | Through filter media (sand, DE, cartridge) | Bypasses filter media |
| Purpose | Remove debris, particles, contaminants | Keep water moving, distribute chemicals |
| Use Cases | Daily cleaning, standard maintenance | Chemical shock, filter repairs |
| Resistance/Energy | Moderate to high (filter adds resistance) | Lower (bypasses resistance of filter) |
| Debris Removal | Yes | No |
While not intended for routine use, the recirculate setting is invaluable in certain situations:
- Shocking (superchlorination) can generate cloudy water or debris that would quickly clog or foul filters.
- Recirculate moves water quickly, ensuring chemicals are evenly distributed before switching back to the filter.
- If your filter is damaged, clogged, or needs to be disassembled for repair, recirculate maintains water movement and prevents stagnation while out of service.
- Persistent algae growth or cloudiness can overwhelm a filter, decreasing its effectiveness.
- Use recirculate to mix algaecides and sanitizers, then vacuum debris to waste rather than attempting to pass everything through the filter.
- On opening a pool in spring or during winterization, use recirculate to quickly mix pool chemicals before starting filtration.
- After severe weather, flooding, or high debris loads, you can keep the pump running on recirculate to avoid filter clogging while still moving water and distributing chemicals.
1. Even Chemical Distribution
- Rapidly disperses added chlorine, pH adjusters, clarifiers, or algaecide throughout the pool.
- Prevents concentrated chemical “hot spots” and ensures effectiveness.
2. Protects Filter Media
- Prevents possible filter damage from large amounts of debris, dead algae, or shock treatment.
3. Maintains Water Circulation
- Guard against stagnation and associated odor or algae during filter repair periods.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Water bypasses the filter media, resulting in less resistance. The pump motor may consume slightly less energy and wear.
5. Facilitates Maintenance
- Allows water flow for features like waterfalls and spa jets when the filter is offline.
6. Supports Faster Pool Recovery
- Promotes rapid recovery after severe weather events or chemical treatments.
While beneficial in certain scenarios, recirculation has clear limitations:
- Does NOT Remove Debris: Suspended dirt, pollen, algae, and particles are not trapped or removed.
- Short-Term Solution Only: Prolonged use can lead to deterioration in water quality.
- Cloudy or Unhealthy Water: Without filtering out debris, microorganisms and contaminants may accumulate.
- Potential Pressure Changes: Lower pressure at the gauge (due to bypass), can be misleading for troubleshooting filter problems.
- Not for Everyday Use: Default to “Filter” mode for daily pool operation.
Step 1: Turn Off the Pool Pump
Before changing the multiport valve setting, shut off your pump. Never move the valve handle while water is flowing through the system.
Step 2: Switch Valve to "Recirculate"
Firmly grip the valve handle, push down, and rotate to the recirculate setting. Check the valve labeling to avoid confusion.
Step 3: Restart the Pump
Turn the pool pump back on. Check for proper water return at pool jets. Note the pressure gauge will display a notably lower reading.
Step 4: Monitor Operation
Watch for strong, even flow from your returns. Listen for any odd noises, and double-check your pool's chemical levels and clarity.
Step 5: Limit Recirculate Use
Only use recirculate for the recommended time (usually 1–2 hours, or as your maintenance process requires). Prolonged operation can degrade water quality.
Step 6: Switch Back to “Filter”
Once chemicals are dispersed, or the filter is repaired, turn pump off, move the valve handle back to “Filter,” and resume standard filtration.
Safety Reminders:
- Always consult your filter's manufacturer manual for best practices.
- Never change the valve with the pump running; this can damage internal parts.
- Educate Customers: Provide clear documentation/video guides describing the recirculate function for your filtration systems.
- Emphasize Maintenance: Remind users that recirculate is not a substitute for filtration, but a maintenance aid.
- Offer Support: Include technical support for valve operation and troubleshooting as part of your product package.
- Customization: Guide your clients (especially commercial buyers) on integrating recirculate in their pool automation routines.
As the pool industry evolves, many manufacturers now offer smart, programmable pool modules with variable speed pumps and automated valve actuators. These technologies allow users to schedule recirculate or filtration cycles remotely using smartphone apps or control panels.
- Precision: Set up recirculate mode automatically after shocking or before filter cleaning for optimum effectiveness.
- Energy Savings: Program pumps to run at lower speeds during recirculation for enhanced efficiency.
- Alerts & Monitoring: Automated systems can send reminders or alerts when it's time to revert back to filtration.
Understanding the recirculate function on your pool pump unlocks new possibilities for pool care. It's not a cleaning mode, but an essential tool for mixing chemicals, supporting maintenance, and providing temporary water movement when filtration isn't possible. Used correctly and only when appropriate, recirculate helps you avoid filter damage and ensures pool chemicals are distributed efficiently. For pool professionals and OEMs, empowering customers with this knowledge demonstrates expertise and adds value to every product or service.
Use recirculate wisely: as a tool for rare but crucial moments, then rely on filtration for daily cleaning and clarity. Mastering every feature of your pump means better pool experiences for everyone.
A1: Recirculate mode circulates water through the pump and plumbing system without passing through (or cleaning with) the filter media; it simply bypasses the filter.
A2: No. Recirculate just moves water; it does not trap or remove debris or particles. Use the “Filter” setting for cleaning.
A3: Use recirculate for chemical mixing after shocking, during filter repair or cleaning, and when you want to avoid clogging the filter with excessive debris, algae, or after storms.
A4: Always turn the pump off before adjusting the valve, then select “Recirculate,” restart the pump, and return to “Filter” as soon as possible.
A5: Yes. Extended use of recirculate allows debris and contaminants to accumulate, leading to poor water quality and possible algae or bacteria growth.