Pool circulation is vital for a clean pool, and pool owners should understand its basics. Nothing is more basic than understanding the 7 essential parts of a pool. In this article, we will explore the basics how pool circulation works by investigating each of the 7 components involved.

 

1. The Skimmer

The Skimmer captures leaves and debris from the surface of the water of your pool before it sinks to the bottom. It’s your first line of defence against a dirty pool floor and the best way to reduce pool debris.

Skimmers come in the wall-mounted and floating variety. Wall-mounted skimmers sit at the end of your pool and lap the water up. Floating skimmers roam around your pool and suck up twigs, leaves and oils.

As you might expect, the skimmer might suck up the trash but you’re going to have to empty it often. It can also need unblocking. Sometimes an awkward angle or a larger-than-normal piece of debris can jam a skimmer up. Checking in on your skimmer once a day as you go past the pool to make sure it’s clear of blockages can be as easy as a glance in its direction.

While skimmers may grab most of the debris, if you’ve high winds or a storm you’ll need to help. Grab your pool tools and skim the surface and don’t rely only on your skimmer. If you have had stormy weather check your chlorine levels too.

 

2. The Main Drain

The main drain is the bottom drain on your pool floor. It removes debris and water from the bottom of the pool and sends it off to the pool pump. The main drain is vital for maintaining good water circulation. A pool that doesn’t circulate water effectively overgrows nasty bacteria and algae.

As essential as the main drain is, it is also dangerous. Your main drain must have a safety cover over it to prevent it from trapping people or being blocked by debris that has sunk to the bottom of your pool.

 

3. The Suction Line(s)

The suction lines in a pool transport water from the skimmer and main drains to the pool pump. Like the veins in the body, they carry water off to the pump and keep things circulating. Although vital, suction lines don’t need much maintenance. Keep an eye out for leaks and make sure nothing blocks them.

 

4. The Pump

The pump is like your heart. It circulates water through the system and filter. Pumps come in single and variable speed but most pools have a variable speed pump.

Regular maintenance for a pool pump includes;

• Checking and emptying the pump basket (weekly)

• Check the pump leaks or strange noises (monthly)

• Check pump fittings are tight, and not leaking. and make any replacements as needed (yearly).

 

5. The Filter

The pool filter removes impurities and debris from your pool water. Pool filters come in 3 types including sand, cartridge and DE filters.

• DE filters use diatomaceous earth – a type of rock that crumbles and is great for filtering debris out of water.

• Sand filters are low-maintenance, long-lasting filters, a favourite of many pool owners.

• Cartridge filters are made of paper-like cylindrical filters that sit in your pump. The pleats in the filters allow the water to pass over a large surface area and put less strain on the pump to push the water through the system. They’re also easy to replace and work great for both inground and above-ground pools.

Maintenance for your pool filter depends on the filter you have.

 

6. The Return Lines

Return lines transport clean filtered water that’s passed through the pump and your filter back to your pool. Like suction lines, return lines need little maintenance. Think of them like the veins or arteries moving the water to where it needs to go.

 

7. The Return Jets

Vital to keeping the water moving in your pool. The return jets help to deliver the water back into the pool in a way that encourages water circulation. In most cases, return jets can be aimed to direct circulation. They are strategically placed around each pool for optimal water movement. Return jets should be properly aimed and not clogged or obstructed.

 

How the Pool Circulation System works

The circulation system uses these 7 components together to keep your pool swim-ready. Here is how;

1 – Water and debris in your pool is taken in by the filter and the main drain which starts the process.
2 – The filter and main drain send that water through the intake lines.
3 – The intake lines deliver the water and debris to the pump.
4 – Water in the pump meets the filter. The filter removes dirt, leaves, oils and bather waste by passing the water through a sand, DE or paper filter.
5 – Once passed through the filter, the water is carried by the return lines back to the pool.
6 – At the end of the return lines water is ejected from your pool jets. The jets shoot that water with enough force to keep the circulation running.

This system is vital for keeping your pool clean and swim-ready but shouldn’t be left alone. Remember, your pool requires regular maintenance beyond running your pump and circulating water.