Views: 222 Author: Tina Publish Time: 2025-09-07 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding the Pool Circulation System
● What Does Recirculate on a Pool Pump Mean?
● When Should You Use Recirculate Mode?
● How Does Recirculate Mode Work?
● Benefits of Using Recirculate Mode
● Key Differences Between Recirculate and Filter Modes
● Practical Guide on Using Recirculate Mode
● How Pool Pump Recirculation Works with Different Filters
● Extended Applications of Recirculate Mode
>> Circulation During Chemical Shock
>> Maintaining Pool Water Temperature
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. Can I run my pool pump only on recirculate?
>> 2. Does recirculate mode clean the pool water?
>> 3. How long should I run recirculate after adding chemicals?
>> 4. Is recirculate mode more energy efficient?
>> 5. How do I switch to recirculate mode safely?
If you own a swimming pool or work in pool maintenance, the term "recirculate" on your pool pump or filter system is an important function to understand. This setting allows the pool water to be circulated without passing through the filter. But what exactly does recirculate mean, why is it necessary, and when should it be used? This article provides a thorough explanation of pool pump recirculation, its uses, benefits, and practical guidance for pool owners, technicians, and enthusiasts.
The circulation system is the heart of pool water maintenance. Water is drawn from the pool through skimmers or main drains and pushed by the pump through the filter, which removes dirt and debris. The filtered water is then returned back to the pool. Key components include the pump, filter, valves, and return jets.
A multiport valve on top of the filter offers various settings such as Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, and Recirculate. These settings control where the water flows through the system. Normally, water flows through the filter media—be it sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridges—for purification before re-entering the pool.
The recirculate mode on a pool pump is a setting where water bypasses the filter entirely. In this mode, the pump draws water from the pool and then returns it directly back without passing through the filter media. This means while water is moving, it is not being cleaned or filtered during this process.
Recirculate mode essentially creates a closed loop where water keeps circulating to prevent stagnation without filtration.
While recirculate is not for everyday use, it has specific and valuable applications:
- Chemical Distribution: When adding pool chemicals like chlorine shock, algaecides, or flocculants, recirculate helps spread chemicals evenly throughout the pool quickly without clogging the filter.
- Filter Maintenance: If the filter is clogged, dirty, or undergoing repair, recirculate keeps water moving to prevent stagnation while bypassing the filter.
- Cloudy Pool Treatment: When using flocculants to clear cloudy water, filtering right away can clog the filter with clumped debris. Recirculate mode allows the flocculant to circulate while sediment settles.
- Temperature Regulation: Pool heaters or chillers require recirculation to evenly distribute water temperature and avoid hot or cold spots.
- Pump Testing or Startup: It's useful to recirculate water during startup sequences or when testing pool equipment, ensuring water flow without stressing the filtration system.
In recirculate mode, the multiport valve is adjusted so that water passes from the pump directly back to the pool's return jets, completely skipping the filter. Water is drawn from the pool, pushed by the pump, and directly returned — no dirt or particles are removed because the filter is bypassed.
This creates a high flow rate circulation to mix chemicals or allow water movement without filtration resistance.
- Prevents Filter Clogging: When applying treatments like flocculants that suspend particles, recirculate prevents the filter from clogging with trapped debris.
- Even Chemical Distribution: Chemicals mix faster and more evenly throughout the pool because water is moving unrestricted.
- Maintains Water Movement: Keeps pool water flowing during filter maintenance, preventing stagnation and algae growth.
- Energy Efficient Temporarily: Bypassing the filter reduces resistance, potentially lowering pump strain during short-term operations.
| Feature | Filter Mode | Recirculate Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Water Path | Through pump → filter → return jets | Through pump → return jets (bypasses filter) |
| Purpose | Remove impurities and debris | Circulate water without filtering |
| Use Cases | Daily cleaning and maintenance | Chemical treatments, troubleshooting, temperature regulation |
| Debris Removal | Yes, filtered out | No, debris remains in pool |
| Impact on Water Quality | Improves clarity and hygiene | Does not improve clarity; short-term use only |
Using recirculate mode correctly ensures pool safety and equipment protection:
- Turn off the pump before switching the valve to avoid damaging the multiport valve.
- Set the multiport valve to recirculate by pressing down the handle and turning to the correct position.
- Turn the pump back on and monitor the water flow to ensure it runs smoothly.
- Limit use to necessary scenarios like chemical circulation or filter maintenance; switch back to filter mode as soon as possible.
- Vacuum debris after using flocculants since sediment settles on the pool floor during recirculation.
No matter the filter type—whether a sand filter, cartridge filter, or DE filter—the recirculate setting bypasses the media. For example, on a sand filter, the valve directs water away from the sand bed and directly to the return line. This allows the system to maintain circulation while the filter is offline or being serviced.
Shock treatments raise chlorine levels for sanitization. Running recirculate mode after shocking distributes the chemical rapidly, achieving even sanitizing throughout the pool.
Recirculation can prepare the water system before backwashing by applying steady flow without overworking the filter media.
In pools with heaters or chillers, recirculate mode helps blend water temperature uniformly, ensuring consistent comfort without filtering interruptions.
The recirculate setting on a pool pump is an essential tool for pool owners and service professionals. It allows water to flow continuously while bypassing the filter, serving critical functions during chemical treatment, filter maintenance, and temperature regulation. However, it is important to use recirculate mode responsibly and switch back to filtering to maintain clean, clear, and safe pool water. Understanding when and how to use recirculate enhances pool care efficiency, protects equipment, and ensures a pleasant swimming environment.
Running recirculate mode continuously is not advised since the water bypasses filtration, leading to poor water quality and debris accumulation.
No, it only circulates the water. The filter must be used to clean dirt and debris.
Typically, 15 to 30 minutes is enough to evenly distribute chemicals before switching back to filter mode.
It reduces pump resistance temporarily but should not replace normal filtration cycles.
Turn off the pump, set the multiport valve to recirculate, ensure it is securely in place, then restart the pump.
[1](https://thepoolanddeck.com/when-to-put-pool-on-recirculate/)
[2](https://www.poolking.co/a-news-when-would-you-use-recirculate-on-pool-filter.html)
[3](https://beatbot.com/blogs/pool-care-solutions/mastering-pool-pump-recirculation-how-to-circulate-water-without-filtering)
[4](https://waterfitters.com/en/news/featured/pool-water-recirculation-what-it-is-used-for-which-scheme-to-adopt-and-which-pump-to-choose)
[5](https://hollandiagardens.com/pool-filter-settings-explained/)
[6](https://www.poolkingfilter.com/what-is-recirculate-on-pool-filter.html)
[7](https://sodramar.com.br/en/blog/pool-cleaning-and-maintenance/What-is-the-difference-between-filtering-and-recirculating-pool-water%3F/)
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[9](https://poolsforfools.com/pool-pump-settings-explained/)