Although the pump plays a major role in water circulation, the return jets also play a pivotal role in creating optimal circulation. Each return jet must be positioned a specific way in order to properly direct the flow of water. Each jet should be positioned at a 45° angle downwards and all should be pointed in the same direction, usually to the right.

Positioning the jets on a 45° angle downwards, ensures that we are not just moving the surface of the water. It is also much less likely that debris will sink to the bottom of the pool where it will sit on the floor and consume chlorine levels. Aiming the jets in the same direction will create a circular flow in the pool. This way the contaminants in the water are all moving the same way and can be easily caught in the skimmer.

2. Have a working pressure gauge on your filter. Make sure you check the pressure in your filter regularly and once it increases by 8-10PSI, backwash the sand or rinse the cartridge filters. A build up of pressure in the filter creates a need for the pump to work harder and will create a lack of water pressure coming back through the return jets.

4. Help maintain low circulation areas by brushing the pool surface weekly. Every pool has “dead spots” or low circulation spots caused by a lack of water force being pushed over that area. These spots are usually found in pool corners or behind ladders. It is here where you will find settled debris such as leaves, fine dirt or algae. A dead spot is also home to stagnant water which is the perfect place for bacteria to collect and algae is encouraged to bloom. A quick brush over these areas every week will prevent issues from arising.