what is the recirculate for on a pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Have you ever wondered what the "recirculate" setting on your pool filter is for? If you're a pool owner, you know that your pool filter plays a crucial role in keeping your water clean and healthy for swimming. But, with all the different settings on your filter, it can be confusing to know what each one does. In this article, we'll explain what recirculate is for and when you might need to use it.

What is recirculate on a pool filter?

Recirculate is a setting on your pool filter that allows water to bypass the filter and return directly back to the pool. This means that the water is not getting filtered or treated in any way. Instead, it's just circulating back to the pool as is. You might be wondering why anyone would want to do this. There are a few reasons.

Utilizing recirculate when filling the pool:

The first reason you might use recirculate is when you're filling your pool. If you're filling your pool with a garden hose, you'll want to use the recirculate setting to avoid clogging your filter. When you first fill your pool, the water can be cloudy and full of debris. If you run that dirty water through your filter, you could clog it up quickly. By using the recirculate setting, you'll still be able to circulate the water and mix in the chemicals, but you won't be filtering out any debris.

Bypassing the filter during maintenance:

The second reason you might use the recirculate setting is during maintenance on your filter itself. If you're cleaning or replacing your pool filter, you'll need to turn off the pump. But, if you want to keep your pool water circulating while you work on the filter, you can switch to the recirculate setting. This way, the water will continue to circulate, and you won't have to worry about stagnation or other issues that can arise from standing water.

Circulating pool chemicals:

The third reason to use recirculate is when you need to circulate pool chemicals without filtering. This might be necessary if you're adding a new type of chemical to the water, and you don't want it to get filtered out too quickly. For example, if you're adding a flocculent to your pool to clarify the water, you'll need to recirculate the water for a few hours to ensure that the chemical is distributed evenly throughout the pool.

Before and after algae treatments:

The fourth reason to use recirculate is when you're treating your pool for algae. When you shock your pool, or add algaecide, you'll need to recirculate the water for a few hours to ensure that the chemicals are distributed evenly throughout the pool. Once the treatment is complete, you'll also need to run the recirculate setting for a few hours to ensure that the dead algae is thoroughly removed from your pool.

Determining the right amount of time for recirculating:

The length of time that you'll need to run the recirculate setting will depend on why you're using it. For example, if you're using recirculate to fill your pool, you'll only need to run it until the pool is full. If you're using it to circulate pool chemicals or to treat algae, you'll want to run it for several hours to ensure that the water is properly treated.

In conclusion, the recirculate setting on your pool filter is an important tool that can be helpful in a variety of situations. Whether you're filling your pool, performing maintenance on your filter, or treating your pool for algae or other issues, the recirculate setting can help you to keep your water clean and healthy. By understanding how to use it properly, you can ensure that your pool stays in great condition all season long.