When it comes to keeping your fibreglass pool swim-ready all year round, circulation becomes a pivotal part of the process. Without proper circulation, your pool can turn into a pond with stagnant water. Cloudy or murky water offers the perfect environment for bacteria and algae to breed. It can make your job of keeping your pool in shape much more difficult.
In this blog, we have covered some top ways to improve the circulation in your fibreglass pool so you can enjoy a refreshing swim any time you want.
Maintain Water Levels
The pool water evaporates at a faster rate during the hot summer months when the sun is at its peak. You may find the water levels going lower than usual even when the pool is not in regular use. To keep the circulation going seamlessly, it is recommended to keep the water level in the middle of the skimmer. This is advised so the water can exit through the pool’s skimmer via suction and pass through the filter to be recirculated by the pump. If the water is below the skimmer level, the pump can run dry. The damage caused by it can burn a hole in your pockets. So, ensure the water level is right for the suction to work properly.
Address the Dead Spots
Dead spots in your pool are all the hard-to-reach areas that don’t get adequate circulation. These include the area beneath the skimmer, behind the ladder and near the pool steps. The dead spots tend to accumulate dirt quickly, and if left unattended, you can see grime building on them. One way to ensure proper pool water circulation in such tough spots is to direct your rotating jets in these areas. Another way is to use the pool more often. That’s right. When you use the pool for a swim, there is an activity in the water. This swim action prevents the water from turning stagnant and provides the algae or bacteria with a safe environment to bloom.
Reposition Your Returns
Once the pool water exits through the skimmer and gets filtered, your pump forces it back into the pool via the return jets. Typically, most fibreglass pools have 2 to 3 return jets to help with the circulation. When placed strategically, these return jets are responsible for ensuring the debris gets eliminated. They further ensure the chemicals in the pool water get evenly distributed so it can remain swim-ready for a longer time. For proper circulation, point the return jets in a way that the pool water can spin. We recommend pointing it down at a 45-degree angle.
Some pool owners prefer to point the return jet upwards so it can keep the surface area clean. But, by pointing it downwards, the surface water remains calm and it helps with proper skimming too. If your fibreglass pool has more than one return jet, it’s best to point them in the same direction, so the circulation remains consistent.
Regularly Clean the Pool Filters
Your pool filter needs to be in good condition for proper water circulation. If it’s clogged, it won’t function to its full capability and the pool water will remain full of contaminants making the water unfit to swim. Make a schedule for cleaning the filters at least once a week. If your fibreglass pool has a cartridge filter, it needs to be sprayed clean to remove debris that gets accumulated every few days. The filter requires replacement once in 3 weeks or as per the manufacturer’s manual. During peak season, when the pool is used more frequently, the filter may require replacement sooner. It is best to consult a pool specialist to help you with the maintenance of your filter.
Consider the Pump
If you have tried everything listed above, but the water still seems dirty, your pump could be the issue. Ideally, you need to run for pool pump for at least 8 hours every day for proper water circulation. Ensure you have the right pump size according to your pool volume. The proper size depends on your pool dimensions and how many cycles you run the pump for. If your pool capacity is 10,000 gallons, you need a pump that gives you an output of 20.8 gallons per minute. How did we arrive at this calculation? By dividing 10,000 by 480 (60 minutes x 8 hours). Consult your pool specialist for more.
Remove Pool Accessories
When your fibreglass pool is not in use, it’s advisable to remove any inflatable toys or accessories that may be floating in the pool water. This prevents debris from collecting on the surface. The toys can also affect the water circulation by blocking the skimmer or getting stuck in the dead spots. It’s best to keep the pool water balanced once all the accessories are out. You can protect the pool with a pool cover to improve circulation. The cover can keep the debris out and slow down the evaporation process as well. This reduces the load on your filtration system and further reduces the need to maintain your pool frequently.
Wrapping Up
If you want to enjoy clear water in your pool at all times, you must keep the water moving constantly. You can adjust the number of hours your pump and filter run and direct the jets for maximum water circulation to complete the flowing circuit. When you keep your pool regularly cleaned, the chances of water flow issues are reduced to a large extent. What you get is a clean pool that can you can enjoy with your friends and family to your heart’s content.
If you need assistance with improving your fibreglass pool’s circulation, our pool designers can come to your aid. We have the requisite skills needed to keep your pool in top shape and are backed with years of experience in dealing with different pool types. We can take the burden of regular maintenance off your shoulders.
Give us a call to book your appointment TODAY!
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