Key 1 – Traffic
Good circulation in your pool means much more than filtering the water: it is about getting all the water in the pool to move and pass through the filter.
Circulation is more than the rotation of filters or pumps; you’re removing dead spots – you know those areas where algae always seems to grow or where dirt and debris always seem to accumulate. The better the water circulates, the better the filtration and the cleaner the pool will be. In fact, it usually takes more than FOUR turns to filter all the water completely. The graph below shows the amount of water in your pool that is typically filtered in a normal filter rotation. Rotations are normally determined by “how much” water can pass through the filter system, not by what actually gets filtered. A rotation can take from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the pool, the size of the filter and the power of the pump.
After 1 rotation: 42% is filtered, 52% is not filtered
After 2 rotations: 84% filtered, 16% filtered unfiltered
After 3 rotations: 95% is filtered, 5% is not filtered
After 4 rotations: 98% is filtered, 2% is not filtered
Why does it take so much time and effort? Mainly, it is due to dead spots. Dead spots are those areas of the pool where the water may not move or circulate fully. Dead spots are the “birthplaces” of algae and biofilms that result in green or cloudy water. These are the most common areas of dead spots:
* the bottom half of the pool, especially pools without main or bottom drains
* rectangular pool corners
* the “exact” center of almost all round and most oval pools, especially above ground pools
* behind stairs and/or stairs
* areas directly adjacent to pool skimmers and return fittings
* a combination of all of the above
Let’s briefly look at each of these areas and provide a cure for deadlock.
The entire lower half of the pool is a really sloppy place. Unfortunately, many pool owners like to watch the water rippling at the top of the pool while the filter is working. They point the return jets or eyeballs “up” rather than down toward the bottom. When pointing up it only circles the top 1/3 of the pool. The bottom 2/3 remain relatively stagnant, especially as you go up. The cure: readjust returns to the bottom of the pool. This will help create a better flow of water from top to bottom. Another way is to plug in your vacuum and simply let it sit on the bottom of the pool for a full day, once a week.
The corners of rectangular pools are notorious for being dead spots. You can see where leaves and debris get caught in the air. Go down along the pool walls from the corners and you’ll see that’s where the algae get their advantage. The cure: Be sure to thoroughly brush the corner areas regularly. Once or twice a week should be a minimum.
Round or oval pools, does not mean that you will not have dead spots. Over the years, we have seen round and oval pools with cloudy centers. Really, we have. The reason, the “circulating” water goes round and round and the center remains stagnant. Over time, especially in pools with little or no regular swimming, a column of water forms, much like the eye of a hurricane. Lots of activity around the eye, but the eye is quiet and calm! The Cure: Be sure to direct pool return fittings toward the bottom and in a straight line. You will get better overall traffic.
Areas behind stairs and especially recessed style stairs have little to no circulation. No body touching the surface of the pool. Algae and bacteria can grow without hindrance. The cure: Be sure to properly and thoroughly brush and vacuum those areas. Movable or removable ladders should be removed from the pool periodically and pool surfaces cleaned. This is where the weekly addition of a good algaecide is important; more on that under the heading of water chemistry. If you use a protective mat, remove it and clean that too. Do this cleaning at least once in the middle of each bathing season.
The several inches around your pool’s skimmer and return fittings are big dead spots. There may be a lot of water activity around or near them, but directly adjacent… no. The cure: Pay special attention to brushing and vacuuming these areas. Even brush, vacuum and wipe down the faceplates of these fixtures.
All previous! Dead spots are always combined. Here are the best cures for poor pool circulation and dead spots. And most ideas won’t cost you a dime!
* Use the pool. Swim, splash, play. Do lapses. Invite some friends over for a good time. Regular use of your pool is the best thing you can do to give yourself better traffic.
* Brush and vacuum cleaner. It’s like brushing your teeth and flossing. You know you have to. Brushing the pool walls at least once a week (preferably twice) prevents algae and biofilm from taking root and becoming a real headache in no time. For a little “super-brushing” consider a Wall Whale brush. You’ll get up to 10 times the brushing force with the effort of one hand.
*Make sure to point those eyeballs and return jets DOWNWARDS. You don’t want to see ripples on the water. You want circulation throughout the pool. Consider installing a circulator instead of the standard eyeball; can provide up to 1500% better circulation in your pool. Awesome new product.
* Run filter a minimum of 8 hours daily. Every day. To save money and electricity, use a timer to turn your pump on and off, and use multiple settings to spread out the time to take advantage of some of those “off-peak” hours of electricity.