Return jets circulate filtered water back into pools creating essential water movement. Understanding proper placement and function ensures effective circulation protecting water quality and surfaces.
Return Jet Purposes
Jets create circulation patterns distributing chemically balanced water throughout pools. Proper circulation prevents stagnant areas where algae establishes. Movement helps maintain consistent temperature throughout pools.
Return flow pushes debris toward skimmers facilitating removal. Jets also create current for swimming exercise particularly in smaller pools.
Optimal Placement
Position returns opposite skimmers creating cross-pool circulation. This draws floating debris toward skimmers while pushing water throughout pools. Space multiple returns evenly around pools preventing dead zones.
Install returns 450 to 600mm below water surface optimizing circulation without causing excessive surface turbulence. Angle jets slightly downward and across pools maximizing circulation efficiency.
Number of Returns
Pool size determines necessary return quantity. Small pools under 40,000 liters work with two returns. Medium pools from 40,000 to 70,000 liters need three to four returns. Large pools exceeding 70,000 liters benefit from five or more strategically positioned returns.
Inadequate returns create circulation problems affecting water clarity. They stress single return points potentially causing wear or leaks.
Eyeball Fittings
Adjustable eyeball fittings allow directing return flow optimizing circulation patterns. Point eyeballs toward areas needing additional movement. Adjust direction seasonally accounting for changing usage patterns.
Ensure eyeballs remain properly secured. Loose fittings create suction hazards or shoot off injuring swimmers.
Pressure Management
Balanced flow across multiple returns prevents excessive pressure at individual points. Check that all returns output similar flow indicating proper hydraulic balance. Weak flow suggests blockages, closed valves, or system problems.
Strong circulation protects pool painting, fibreglass pool resurfacing, and pebblecrete resurfacing from algae and staining through consistent water movement.
Spa Jets
Spa areas require separate jet systems creating therapeutic water movement. Spa jets operate at higher pressures creating massage effects. Dedicated circulation handles spa needs independently from main pool returns.
Renovation Considerations
Adding returns during swimming pool renovations improves circulation in undersized systems. This requires new plumbing but dramatically enhances water quality.
Relocating poorly positioned returns optimizes circulation patterns. Coordinate return work with pool tiling or surface updates minimizing disruption.
Maintenance Requirements
Clean return fitting regularly removing debris or calcium buildup restricting flow. Check eyeball adjustment ensuring proper direction. Inspect fittings for cracks or damage creating leaks behind pool coping.
Safety Aspects
Properly installed returns present no hazards. However, missing or damaged fittings create suction points endangering swimmers particularly children. Ensure all returns have proper covers always installed.
Equipment Coordination
Variable speed pumps allow adjusting return flow throughout day. Lower speeds provide adequate circulation most times while higher speeds activate for specialized needs. This flexibility optimizes energy use.
Across Sydney service areas including Northern Sydney, Southern Sydney, and The Hills, proper returns ensure consistent water quality.
Schedule pool inspection assessing return effectiveness. Read circulation articles on our blog or view return placements in our gallery.
Contact us for circulation improvements. Learn about us and our services.
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