what is recirculate on a pool filter

What Is Recirculate on a Pool Filter: A Guide to Keeping Your Pool Water Clean and Clear

Keeping your pool water clean and clear is essential for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. One of the most important ways to maintain good water chemistry in your pool is by ensuring that it is properly filtered. In this article, we will explore the concept of recirculate on a pool filter and how it can help you keep your pool clean and clear.

What is Recirculate on a Pool Filter?

Recirculate is a setting on your pool filter that allows you to circulate the water in your pool without actually filtering it. This setting is useful when you need to move water from one area of the pool to another or when you need to bypass the filter for maintenance purposes.

When Should You Use the Recirculate Setting?

There are a few instances where you may want to use the recirculate setting on your pool filter. These include:

1. Moving Water: If you need to move water from one area of the pool to another, such as when you are trying to distribute chemicals evenly or when you are vacuuming the pool floor, recirculating the water can help you achieve this.

2. Bypassing the Filter: If you need to perform maintenance on your pool filter, such as cleaning the filter cartridges or backwashing the sand filter, you can use the recirculate setting to bypass the filter without interrupting the flow of water to your pool.

3. Filter Problems: If you are experiencing issues with your pool filter, such as low flow or high pressure, you can use the recirculate setting to troubleshoot the problem. This will allow you to determine if the issue is with the filter or with another component of your pool system.

How Does Recirculate Affect Your Pool Water Chemistry?

Recirculating your pool water does not filter it, so it will not remove any contaminants or impurities from the water. However, it can have an impact on your pool water chemistry in a few ways.

1. Chlorine Distribution: Recirculating the water can help you distribute chlorine evenly throughout the pool. If you have a localized area of low chlorine, recirculating the water can help ensure that the chlorine reaches that area.

2. pH Levels: Recirculating the water can also affect your pool's pH levels. If your pool has a high pH, recirculating the water can help lower it by exposing the water to carbon dioxide from the air. Conversely, if your pool has a low pH, recirculating the water can help raise it by exposing the water to the alkalinity in the pool.

3. Algae Growth: Finally, recirculating the water can help prevent algae growth by keeping the water moving. Algae thrives in stagnant water, so recirculating the water can help prevent it from taking hold.

Conclusion

Recirculate is a useful setting on your pool filter that can help you move water around your pool and bypass the filter for maintenance purposes. While recirculating the water does not filter it, it can affect your pool water chemistry in a few ways. By understanding how recirculate works and when to use it, you can maximize the effectiveness of your pool filter and keep your pool water clean and clear throughout the swimming season.