The Importance Of Swimming Pool Circulation
A clean swimming pool is not only pleasant to look at but vitally important to ensure the water is healthy and safe to swim in. Complete circulation of your pool water is essential to keep your pool clean. Without it your water would be susceptible to bacteria and impurities which can cause significant problems for your pool.
Water Circulation
Circulation plays one of the most crucial roles when it comes to maintaining a clean pool. Circulation filters and cleans your water, it also works to disperse the chemicals and sanitising agents throughout your pool. Pool water that does not have proper circulation becomes stagnant and houses a multitude of algae and bacteria. There are three main steps to consider when it comes to pool maintenance. They are cleaning, chemicals, and circulation. Without circulation, the other two steps would be pointless.
Adequate Pool Circulation Involves
No matter the size of your pool, it should be fitted with a good quality filter and pump. The whole volume of your pool water should be pumped, filtered, cleaned, and then returned every day to meet Australian pool standards. It’s important to have a pool circulation system that is capable of doing this in a 24-hour period. Your pump allows your pool water to circulate, it does this by drawing water from your pool to your skimmer, it then travels to your pump and filter. The filter works by removing any impurities or debris in the water and returns it back to the pool once it is clean via a return jet. Some pools are equipped with a couple of jets and skimmers, not just one.
Some Factors That Affect Your Pools Circulation:
Jet settings
As mentioned, the jet’s job is to return clean water back to the pool. To ensure that you are getting ultimate water circulation, your jets should be multidirectional to propel the water throughout the entirety of your pool. This applies if you have several return jets, if not, your individual jet should be turned downwards and facing the opposite side of your skimmer. By turning your jet in a downwards direction, it enables water on the bottom of the pool to be circulated with the water on the top half of the pool. This will improve your pool’s circulation.
Dead Spots
A dead spot is a section in your pool that receives little or no movement, meaning it does not get to the filter to be cleaned. Dirt and bacteria are known to settle in these areas. The seams in the lining in a vinyl liner pool and the porous surface of aggregate in concrete pools are more susceptible to dead spots as they have uneven surfaces which enable dirt and algae to get trapped and grow. Fibreglass fairs much better as it is non porous, allowing the water to travel efficiently to the skimmer. Even with regular maintenance and equipment that is working properly, you can still have dead spots. Brushing the interior surface of your pool on a regular basis and ensuring your return jets are facing any dead spots can improve circulation in that area.
Your Pools Turnover Rate
Turnover rate is a term used to describe the amount of time it takes to circulate the entire volume of your pool water through your filtration system. While it is not vitally important to know the precise amount of time it takes, you should be aware that your pump should run for a minimum of 8 to 10 hours per day. The pump does most of the work when it comes to your circulation system, however, there are some key things you should be keeping on top of to ensure optimum circulation of your pool water. They include:
• Brushing those hard to reach areas of your pool on a regular basis
• Running your filter pump for a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day
• Keep at least one jet directed to bottom of the pool
• Remove debris, dirt and insects from skimmer and basket often
Your Filter
Your pool filter is a big contributor when it comes to keeping your pool clean. Ensuring that the filter is clear of debris and has adequate pressure enables it to work at its full potential. Our team can offer helpful advice regarding this.
Adverse Effects Of Poor Circulation
Inadequate pool maintenance and poor circulation can lead to significant complications for your pool. Poor circulation inhibits the ability of your sanitising agents and pool chemicals to work by not distributing properly throughout your pool water, this can result in your pool becoming unsanitary and unsafe to swim in.
Other Options Available To Circulate Your Pool Water
As we know, technology is always evolving which means newer, smarter systems are constantly hitting the market. Pool maintenance is simpler and now less time consuming than ever. Systems such as self-cleaning pools eliminate the guesswork by taking care of the work for you. They have become increasingly popular over years as they offer many advantages when it comes to cleaning your pool.
There are numerous reasons why it is crucial to cover all aspects when looking after your pool. Ensuring your pool has complete circulation should be on the top of your priority list when following your pool care schedule. Remembering to check your filters, the direction of your return jets and keeping an eye out for dead spots can all increase your pool pumps ability to circulate your pool water to its full potential. Our highly skilled team here at Barrier Reef Pools have a wealth of knowledge in all facets of pool care and are happy to answer any questions you have regarding the performance of your pool. Give us a call today.
