Views: 222 Author: Tina Publish Time: 2025-08-10 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Is the Recirculate Setting on a Pool Pump?
● When Should You Use the Recirculate Setting on Your Pool Pump?
>> 1. Distributing Chemicals Evenly Throughout the Pool
>> 2. Clearing Cloudy or Murky Water Using Flocculants
>> 3. During Filter Maintenance or Repair
>> 4. Balancing Pool Water Temperature
>> 5. Winterizing and Closing Pools
● When NOT to Use the Recirculate Setting
● How to Switch the Pool Pump to Recirculate
● Benefits of Using Recirculate Setting
● Additional Tips to Maximize Recirculate Effectiveness
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
>> 1. How long should the pump run on recirculate?
>> 2. Can I swim while the pump is on recirculate?
>> 3. Is recirculate the same as backwash?
>> 4. Can recirculate help fix cloudy water?
>> 5. Does recirculate save on energy costs?
>> 6. What if I accidentally leave the valve on recirculate?
Maintaining a swimming pool requires a thorough understanding of the various functions on your pool pump and filtration system. Among these functions, the recirculate setting on a pool pump's multiport valve is often misunderstood but plays a crucial role in specific maintenance scenarios. This comprehensive guide explores when to use recirculate on the pool pump, how it works, its advantages and limitations, and best practices to effectively keep your pool water clean, clear, and balanced.
The recirculate setting is a position on the multiport valve commonly found on sand filters, cartridge filters, or DE filters. Unlike the standard “filter” position, where water passes through the filter media to remove dirt and debris, the recirculate function bypasses the filter media entirely.
In this mode, the pump draws water from the pool, pumps it through the system, but returns it to the pool without filtration. This setup allows continuous circulation and movement of water, keeping chemicals evenly dispersed and preventing water from becoming stagnant, while avoiding potential filter clogging or damage.
The primary purpose of recirculating is to maintain water flow and chemical distribution when filtering is either unnecessary or temporarily inadvisable.
When the multiport valve is set to recirculate:
- Water is drawn from the pool as usual by the pump.
- Instead of passing through the filter medium, the water flows directly back to the pool return lines.
- No filtration occurs during this process.
- Water continues circulating and oxygenating the pool.
By passing water directly back without treatment, this mode essentially keeps the pool water in motion and chemically balanced without filtering solids.
While recirculate is not intended for day-to-day pool filtration, it is invaluable in several key situations:
Applying chemicals such as chlorine shock, algaecides, or flocculants can temporarily overwhelm your filtration system. For instance, when shocking the pool, you want the chemicals to spread quickly and uniformly without sludge or debris gumming up the filter.
Using recirculate mode:
- Avoids filter clogging by bypassing filter media.
- Promotes faster dispersion of chemicals.
- Ensures that reactive chemicals can work effectively throughout the entire volume of water.
Practical Tip: Run the pump on recirculate for about 1-2 hours after applying chemicals, then switch back to filtration mode for cleanup.
Cloudy water often results from suspended particles too fine for the filter to catch. Flocculants cause these particles to bind together and fall to the pool floor.
If your pump remains on filter mode during this process:
- The filter can clog quickly with flocculated debris.
- You may have to backwash more frequently.
When set to recirculate:
- Water bypasses the filter, preventing clogs.
- The flocculated particles settle on the bottom without filter interference.
- You can then vacuum the debris straight to waste for efficient clearing.
This process can dramatically speed up the restoration of crystal-clear water.
If your filter or pump system is experiencing:
- Blockages,
- Equipment failures,
- Scheduled maintenance, or
- Replacement of filter media,
running the pump on recirculate ensures:
- Continuous water circulation to prevent stagnation.
- Proper distribution of sanitizers to reduce algae or bacterial growth.
- Avoidance of damage that could occur if the system is run dry or improperly.
However, since no filtration is done, this is only a temporary solution.
Pools equipped with heaters or chillers sometimes develop uneven temperatures, which can impact swimmer comfort and chemical reactions in the water.
Using recirculate mode allows:
- Faster equalization of water temperature.
- Reduction of "hot spots" near heaters or "cold spots" near chillers.
- Enhanced oxygenation by keeping water moving, which prevents layers of stagnant, oxygen-poor water from forming.
This can improve overall pool water quality and swimmer experience.
When shutting down a pool for the winter:
- Closing chemicals need to be distributed evenly.
- Frozen pockets of water can damage equipment or pool surfaces.
Recirculate mode during winterization:
- Helps disperse winterizing chemicals like algaecides and stain blockers evenly.
- Keeps water moving to avoid localized freezing.
- Protects the pool liner and plumbing by ensuring treated water circulates.
Understanding when not to use recirculate is equally important to maintain water health:
- Avoid everyday filtration: Since recirculate bypasses the filter, debris and particles remain in the water.
- Do not use on visibly dirty or debris-laden pools: The setting will only recirculate unwanted contaminants.
- Avoid prolonged use without filtration: This will allow dirt and organic matter to accumulate, causing algae growth and water quality deterioration.
- Not suitable during heavy bather loads: With extensive debris introduced, the filtration system needs to be active to maintain clarity and sanitation.
Proper operation ensures equipment longevity and safety.
1. Turn off the pool pump to prevent damage or pressure spikes.
2. Depress and turn the multiport valve handle to the "Recirculate" position.
3. Restart the pump. Water will now flow around the filter and back into the pool directly.
4. Observe the pump and system for normal operation, checking for leaks or pressure anomalies.
5. When finished with the intended task, turn off the pump again, return the valve to “Filter,” and restart the system for normal filtration.
Always follow manufacturer guidelines for your specific pump and filtration system to avoid harm.
- Prevents filter clogs and stress during heavy chemical treatments.
- Speeds up chemical distribution, increasing treatment effectiveness.
- Ensures continuous water movement during filter downtime.
- Helps regulate water temperature evenly.
- Avoids water stagnation that can promote algae or bacteria during short-term filter bypass.
- No dirt or debris removal occurs during recirculate.
- Prolonged use without filtration reduces water quality.
- May cause chemical imbalances if chemicals are not managed properly.
- Run only for designated periods based on maintenance needs.
Using recirculate responsibly ensures it supports rather than harms your pool system.
- Always monitor water chemistry before and after recirculating.
- Schedule recirculate use mostly during off-peak swimming hours.
- Combine recirculate with “vacuum to waste” when clearing settled debris after using flocculants.
- Remember that recirculate complements but never substitutes regular filtration cycles.
Incorporating these tips keeps your pool balanced and reduces unnecessary filter wear.
The recirculate setting on your pool pump is a pivotal tool in effective pool management, particularly suited for specific tasks like chemical distribution, clearing cloudy water, filter maintenance, temperature balancing, and winterizing. While it does not provide filtration, its strategic use prevents filter overload, supports chemical efficacy, and maintains water circulation during key maintenance activities.
Understanding when and how to use recirculate promotes longer filter life, more efficient chemical treatments, and healthier pool water. It is an essential skill for any pool owner or maintenance professional striving for sparkling surfacing and balanced water chemistry. Always return to regular filtration mode after recirculate use to ensure your pool stays clean and inviting all season long.
Typically, 1-2 hours is adequate to properly disperse chemicals or during brief filter maintenance.
Yes, but avoid swimming immediately after heavy chemical applications until chemicals stabilize.
No. Recirculate bypasses the filter to keep water moving, while backwash reverses water flow to clean the filter media.
Yes, especially when using flocculants, as it helps settle particles without clogging the filter.
Not significantly; the pump runs the same, but it may reduce strain on filters during chemical treatments.
Leaving the pump on recirculate for extended times can degrade water quality, so switch back to filter mode promptly.