what does recirculate on pool filter mean

What Does Recirculate on Pool Filter Mean?

As a pool owner, one of the most important things you need to understand is how your pool filter works. Your pool filter is responsible for removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from your pool water to keep it clean, clear, and healthy. One of the settings on your pool filter that you may have seen, but not understood, is "recirculate." In this article, we'll explore what recirculate on pool filter means, and when and how to use it.

What Is Recirculate on a Pool Filter?

Recirculate is a setting on your pool filter that bypasses the filter media and returns water directly to the pool. Essentially, the water is "recirculated" back into the pool without being filtered. This setting is useful in certain situations where filtering the water may not be necessary or desirable.

When Should You Use the Recirculate Setting on Your Pool Filter?

There are several situations where you may want to use the recirculate setting on your pool filter, including:

1. Chemical Imbalance: If your pool water chemistry is off, the recirculate setting can be used to quickly circulate the water throughout the pool without filtering it through the media. This can help distribute chemicals more evenly and effectively.

2. Shocking the Pool: When you shock your pool, it's important to circulate the water to distribute the chemicals evenly. The recirculate setting can be used to accomplish this without filtering the water through the media.

3. Cleaning the Filter: If you need to clean your filter, the recirculate setting can be used to keep water circulating throughout the pool while you work on the filter. This will prevent any debris or contaminants from settling on the bottom of the pool.

4. Heating the Pool: If you're using a pool heater, the recirculate setting can be used to quickly raise the temperature of the pool water by circulating it throughout the pool without filtering it through the media.

5. Clearing Up Cloudy Water: If your pool water is cloudy, the recirculate setting can be used to help circulate the water and disperse any cloudiness more quickly. This is especially useful if the cloudiness is caused by a chemical imbalance.

How to Use the Recirculate Setting on Your Pool Filter

Using the recirculate setting on your pool filter is relatively easy. Here's how to do it:

1. Turn off your pool pump.

2. Turn the valve handle to the "recirculate" position.

3. Turn the pool pump back on.

4. Allow the pool pump to run for as long as necessary, depending on the reason for using the recirculate setting.

5. When you're finished, turn off the pool pump and turn the valve handle back to its original position.

In conclusion, the recirculate setting on your pool filter is a useful tool for certain situations where filtering the water may not be necessary or desirable. By understanding how and when to use this setting, you can keep your pool water clean, clear, and healthy all season long.