3 Keys To POOL CIRCULATION And RETURN JET Flow

[@SwimUniversity]

The Pool Care Cheat Sheet (Free): swimu.com/cheatsheet The Pool Care Handbook: swimu.com/book The Pool Care Video Course: swimu.com/poolcourse

[@mkdsk101]

So I have an above ground pool and my skimmer is to the left of my return so do I still point my return jet towards the skimmer?

[@66508mvys]

Can a pump to above ground pool be raised to the same height or just below the out flow to the pump

[@Moho62]

I've had my inground pool for 19 years. I never could figure out the Jet placements. This is the first video I've seen that easily helped! Thank You!

[@SwimUniversity]

Glad it helped!

[@milkylicker6963]

Me too

[@JM-rs2hc]

Thx Matt!!!!! You're my go to when it come to taking care of my pool!!!! Much appreciated!!! keep up the great work!!!!

[@JMora-fj3bv]

Love the vids SU

[@jonmalone75]

My pool is 30 years old. Its an 18x36 with 2 jets and a skimmer all on the same wall. It has a jet about 3 feet from both end walls. Which way should my jets be positioned? I cannot seem to get much of the debris into the skimmer. Thanks

[@Nguyen_Realty]

Love your videos, thank you so much How do you know how strong the jet flows are supposed to be? The jet flow strength seems to be coming out as if you were to turn on a sink faucet halfway

[@MoMartz09]

Fantastic info! I'm a new pool owner and this helped out a ton. Thank you!

[@teamjensen3]

New salt pool owner AND NEW SUBSCRIBER!!! Thank you! Thank you!! Awesome video: short and to the point!!

[@SwimUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nichelleking8743]

On the diagram. I see stop jets. What are stop jets and do they not return water at all? I think I have a stop jet that is releasing bubbles. Thanks in advance.

[@misteeruiz6902]

Thanks. New pool owner 🤙🏽

[@kiney0713]

Love this! Makes so much sense!

[@das113]

Great explanation, thanks! 🙂

[@stevewright6982]

I just got my pool running in this video was very helpful

[@edwardippoliti626]

If you have a cuda hooked up at a return ,would it burn the pump up if you took it out ,even if you had poor or no circulation during pump operation for two weeks prior to pulling the cuda ? My friend is trying blame me for the pump ,says it's my fault ,because I pulled the cuda out, but there was little or no circulation for over 2 weeks ?

[@jacobalderman105]

Great video thanks!

[@KapBennyTV]

Very nice video! Direct to the point! Thanks

[@Angel_268]

Is it possible to turn one eyeball return into two with a Y adaptor or something?

[@cwc8979]

⁠I have an inground swimming pool and right now have debris on the pool floor around the main drain in the deep end…..would that restrict the water flow coming from the pump into the return lines into the pool? I’m in the process of cleaning our pool……seems like once I prime the pump the water flow is going fast then it tends to slow down some over time

[@themotherfdude8891]

You have a clean and not old filter? And yes it’s not great for debris to sit on the drain. But it shouldn’t ever cause a difference you could see unless it’s a bucket, toy, etc

[@themotherfdude8891]

Also. Your pump is priming at higher rpm to get going, hence the word prime, then slows to whatever rpm it is set to. Since you have a variable speed

[@sikandarkumar7163]

Sir suming pool me Kitna ka pipe Dala gata ha

[@leopilapil7752]

how much the cost of felter set including pump, thks

[@FUNKYFRESH707]

Thank you!

[@DAVIDOGBAGA-y2u]

How can dirty water be discharge from the drain of the swimming pool?

[@isnagrobot6370]

ung swimming pool ko isang motor apat na pair ung floor return nia pwede koba gawin dalawa pairs lng

[@rarescancean2573]

Your video is very interesting!!! But I have a some question for you because I need some information for my swimming pool. Can you explain me: - How do you decide which SAND FILTER, PUMP, PVC PIPES is better for swimming pool? - What mathematical formulas did you use to dimension it? - Can you help me because I need to renovate my pool and I need to understand if my sand filter, pumpb and pvc pipes are will be good? Thank you!

[@themotherfdude8891]

Sand filter sucks. Get a cartridge.

[@webneko9842]

I am brand new to owning a pool. I bought a house with one. It's an inground pool and it has 2 jets that keep the water moving and the drain in the bottom. There are also several places where there are these white tubes that extend and when I open a valve seem to be a sort of jet themselves. Do you know anything about these?

[@maxpainemax2726]

Hello. What is the best pump hp on a 16" sand filter tank? Thanks

[@themotherfdude8891]

Get rid of the sand filter and get a heyward cartridge with 1.5hp motor if you find one

[@sdimario]

great videos, i've watched most of them already. I have a 4 yr old Hayward de filter. when I recirculate the pressure back to the pool is great. When I backwash and then filter, pressure is good for about 15 min, then it begins to slow. my filter cartridge was cleaned this past weekend. I can't figure out the issue. Everyone i speak w/ says clean the cartridge........IT'S CLEAN!!!!

[@gee6444]

I have a Hayward de filter also and I have this same problem did you figure it out yet

[@dantadeo6496]

Maybe you feed too much de powder or maybe that’s the normal pressure if you want more you need a stronger pump

[@dantadeo6496]

Or just open up the filter and clean it manually

[@dantadeo6496]

If you just backwashing it then you will need to open it up and wash the grids or fingers

[@dantadeo6496]

7+ years in the pool business

[@LatinMaximus]

Is scrubbing the dead areas necessary if you have a pool cleaner (barracuda). I only do behind the ladder and the bottom of the pool floor.

[@SwimUniversity]

As long as something is cleaning the dead areas - either you or the barracuda - then you're good to go. Just make sure it's getting into the common areas we mentioned.

[@drdrew3]

In pool vacuums also have dead zones where they don’t reach. Especially around steps and at farthest length of hose. There are the first areas where algae will grow. I still brush weekly and can see fine dust in certain random areas. Getting this suspended back into the water column makes it easier for the filter to remove. Also a good time to add clarifier every few weeks. Plus it’s great exercise in the sunshine!

[@oslerpereira6380]

Nice thanks for video

[@roysingh576]

I have the leaf catcher attached to one of the inlet water valve. Is this a good idea

[@drdrew3]

As long doesn’t cause too much pressure drop the lead catcher is great. Need to empty it regularly to maintain good flow thru. It keeps debris out of the pump basket and filter which is a big time saver (and extends filter life). I put a filter sock in mine and cartridge filter is grateful

[@mr.fix-all]

I have a pool that has an old pump motor, and old filter sand system. After a few hours of it running strong, it then starts to barely blow any water out of the filter into the pool. I replaced the pump and the sand, after a few hours it does the same thing. I backwash, rinse and put it back to normal operation. It will work for a few hours and then barely have any circulation again. To note the motor never cuts off on the new pump, all skimmer baskets including the pump skimmer basket is clean and doesn’t have any leaks or air bubbles. I have a very slight leak from the multi valve port ring to lock it into place but I didn’t think that would be my issue. Anyone have any thoughts?

[@gabet3754]

You have a restriction in the return line before the filter. It’s restricting flow to the pump. You can snake it with a plastic line to break it up

[@themotherfdude8891]

Throw the sand filter in the garbage and get a heyward cartridge

[@mannygonzalez4492]

Just got my pool finished I also had pop-up cleaning heads everytime I pull kicks into cleaning mode I get lots of air coming out of cleaning heads is that normal? Pool company tells me that it is because I have an ozonator connected to my system that pushes air .

[@themotherfdude8891]

Well there ya go

[@tonybatrof2526]

why is dirt shooting out of return jet when filter first turned on? I have a sand filter with a side mounted push/pull valve. I do back wash regularly and keep the pool chemically balanced. Could there be broken parts inside the filter?

[@seaofdreams73]

That’s my problem too.

[@drdrew3]

Broken grid

[@themotherfdude8891]

Yep. Broken grid inside filter. What you do is get a hammer and put a big hole in it. Then take it and throw it in the trash and buy a heyward cartridge and be done.

[@aaronbowes1176]

Water return - in-floor cleaners (popups) vs standard wall water return: Is it better to have the wall water return off so full pressure is sent to the in-floor cleaners?

[@themotherfdude8891]

If the pool came with floor cleaner and side return, use them all. That’s why they were installed. To work together. Not pick and choose

[@k8tallison250]

I’m so confused. Literally every article/video I’ve seen says to point jet AWAY from skimmer. So, my return jet is right next to my skimmer. I only have one and I keep it pointed down and away. Should I move it the other direction?

[@jres9692]

How many return jets? You want to create a circulation process to where the water can make it’s way to the skimmer. Think of it as a clock and picture your skimmer on a certain number on a clock. My skimmer is at “7 o clock” and my jets circulate clockwise from “10, 1, 3, 4, 5 o clock”

[@k8tallison250]

@@jres9692 I only have one. I have it pointed down and away from the skimmer

[@NorthJerseyFooter]

@@k8tallison250 that is the correct way. Aim away from skimmer to create a whirl pool

[@systolic7483]

This video says the opposite. One jet, towards the skimmer and down. Multiple jets away from skimmer and down.

[@k8tallison250]

@@systolic7483 that's what I'm questioning. Everything I've seen/read says one jet, point AWAY

[@hyperz13z]

Hello. I’m just asking out of curiosity but what’s the difference between a pool return jet and a pool stop jet on the picture?

[@davidj4529]

Pretty sure it was a typo, and he meant “Step Jet” lol

[@RobinGKT]

New Subscriber. Thanks for the video. So all the jets are return jets, they all have the same function? What are the jets on your diagram you have listed as stop jets? Thanks, Robin

[@ryannichols8315]

I have a 28 ft above ground pool. I think it's 12,000 gallons. Not that the size has much to do with my question. I just realized on my return hose, right before the fitting that connects the hose to the jet, on the outside of the pool is a valve. It appears to be an air valve. It has a cap on it. If you move the cap just a little it allows air to mix with the return water and bubbles come out the jet. So the air doesn't go through the system. What is that for? And is it helpful or harmful to use? I've tried to find out but everything that comes up online refers to fixing an air leak. This isn't an air leak, it's designed to allow air in right before its shot into the jet.

[@edgar916911]

I have the same thing as you. I have a venturi tube in my pipe leading to my return jets in my pool. Not sure what that is for. Just saw it was leaky. Not sure if I could replace with a pieve of regular PVC or replace the venturi. Have you found anything in regards to that?

[@ryannichols8315]

@@edgar916911 Nope. Mine doesn't leak though. I can remove the cap and it still doesn't leak. But unfortunately no I haven't figured of what it's all about.

[@dantadeo6496]

That’s for spa features like a hot tub it’s just for bubbles

[@joshsmith7692]

I have a cartridge filter pool, also I have never had a pool before. But this thing is expensive AF!!! I can't vac the dead algae from the pool because it blows right back in! I have tried to wash the filter to no avail. I have a strainer basket net(panty hose for skimmer basket) on the return jet and on the skimmer basket. It seems like I am going to need a new $100+ filter for every 1/4 of the pool I vacuum. This blows balls!!

[@drdrew3]

Mechanical filtration alone is NOT a cure for algae. You need to kill the algae chemically and then filter it out. Algae doesn’t grow in a pool with proper chemical balance. There are plenty of “clean to green” videos the show the steps. This particular video is geared for optimizing a non-problem pool. Your pool circulation might be just fine - get the pool clear and then get it balanced. The circulation part isn’t hard or complicated. Best of luck

[@joshsmith7692]

@@drdrew3 that's the thing, I have had it "clear" and everything dropped to the bottom but I can't vac it out because 4 swipes with the vac and the cartridge filter is full and blowing out algae. I maintained a balanced ph and chlorine for a while and then all of a sudden I can't hold either. I'm scratching my head on what to do and my buddies are telling me to drain it, clean it and start over. I have shocked, like power shocked-double or more the amount for the size, it so many times and the chlorine is still less than 1ppm. I'm starting to think the 20-30min drive to the lake would be worth it.

[@mikemilam525]

@@joshsmith7692 If it's that bad, vacuum on waste. Put the dead algae out on the ground.

[@themotherfdude8891]

It’s a you problem. Not the pool.

[@joshsmith7692]

@@themotherfdude8891 oh thanks! That solved all the issues

[@wudgee]

I have the inlet valve quite close to the skimmer in the deep end. When sweeping the muck gets blown back to the shallow end and it seems the current is just going from the inlet to the skimmer and is directed up to the surface. This is how the pool company have done it and it can’t be right. There’s no circular current to enable the skimmer to work. I can’t seem to move the direction of flow and scared to break something. I’ve got muck on the surface of the pool despite using a net and muck at the bottom all he time.

[@CyncalKaos]

So I have a Question. I have an Inground pool that is 18 ft Wide and 36 ft in Length. Depth is from 3 ft to 8.5 ft deep. It only has 1 skimmer and 2 returns. Is this enough for this pool.

[@SwimUniversity]

It depends on how much debris you get, if you keep it running all the time and if your pump and filter aren't kicking things back into your water. If things are running smoothly, you're fine!

[@CyncalKaos]

@@SwimUniversity thanks for the response. I cannot get this pool to clear from Algae. I’ve shocked it multiple times this past week. Added chlorine by the gallons. Cleaned and bought new filters. I’m at a loss. I’ve tried algaecide, vacuumed and keep the skimmers cleaned. Had my water tested and it still won’t disappear. All I can say is HELP

[@christianwoods8925]

@@CyncalKaos Throw in some floc out

[@nadavvaknin]

Does the pump and filter must be at the pool level or can you position the filter and pump on a higher ground above the pool level?

[@drdrew3]

It’s always best to have the filter mounted a little higher than the pool surface. When the pool is below water level when you service the pump water will flow downhill with gravity and drain the pool. And because side leaks are more common it will drain from there as well

[@Art_64]

Didn't understand. I have two nozzles on one side.of the pool and two at the stairs on one end. The single skimmer is on the opposite side of the two nozzles. How should the four be pointed?

[@Lughnerson]

Make them point so as to create a whirlpool effect, all in the same direction, slightly downward. When jets are pointed too high they bubble and ripple the surface which makes it hard to see when vacuuming.

[@drdrew3]

@@Lughnerson If you point the nozzles at an angle towards the surface you get wonderful (counter) clockwise circulation of debris directly into the skimmer. Considering that vacuum for just 20 minutes a week but you run the pump for 3,500 minutes a week it’s a complete non-issue. Alternately you can just turn the pump off for vacuuming and back on immediately afterwards. Having zero debris on the surface is great when you are in the pool. And being able to visualize the whirlpool effect from outside the pool is very reassuring. The deep to shallow circulation is accomplished via the main drain (or in-pool suction cleaner). No debris on pool bottom or surface and complete circulation. The pool is so clear it looks empty

[@jodeci888]

Another great video! I have a 15 by 30 oval with one return and skimmer is only about 18 in away, should I face it down towards the skimmer or down away from the skimmer?

[@NorthJerseyFooter]

Away

[@dantadeo6496]

Away to circulate if you point it towards the skimmer then you just blowing debris back to your pool and not into skimmer

[@stashoski2675]

Ok what position do you put the Return valves. There’s one valve the main line comes in from the bottom and scammer. You could turn one line off or the other or put in a middle for both where do you put it. And amount of time to run filter. And speed on A variable speed pump.

[@dantadeo6496]

Put skimmer wide open and main drain half way open

[@dantadeo6496]

8 hours plus no less then that

[@dantadeo6496]

Speed depends on your pressure I usually run it over 2000 + but if you can get the skimmer sucking and return flowing fine on less speed than go for it

[@MrEye4get]

My Pool Installer tells me I don't need main drains. They use on a skimmer (at one end) and two return jets (opposite end) for a 7m x 4.2m x 1.3m rectangular fiberglass pool. I feel they are doing as little as they can (including a small filter and pump) to make more money. Does that sound right?

[@jack8u27]

For something that size, that's not the end of the world. But a properly sized pump and filter with main drains would definitely make keeping it clean so much easier for you.

[@themotherfdude8891]

It’s a fiberglass pool. Not a lot have main drain

[@ScottGibbs]

I'm way overthinking this, but I'm thinking of building a small pool to swim laps attached to a tether. Probably about 7' x 10', so I'm sure one return jet would be enough. Would it make the most sense to put the skimmer and return on the same wall and point the return away from the skimmer? Would that create enough circulation? Thanks for the videos.

[@themotherfdude8891]

Yes otherwise return would push water into* the skimmer. Kind of common sense

[@ChitoWorld]

Do you have videos for 900 gallon pools ?

[@DZRIDEZ]

Just opened my pool today and after putting everything back together, when I turn on the motor, water is not being sucked in and my filter is not getting any pressure. I took off the lid made sure everything was good, place it back on, and clamped the filter shut. Turned on the motor once again but nothing. :(

[@SwimUniversity]

We have a troubleshooting guide here that may help: www.swimuniversity.com/pool-pump-not-working/ You may need to prime your pump.

[@trevorstevens3699]

you should take of the lid to the pump and fill it with water then fire it back up. its called forced priming. if that doesnt work put a hose and let water urn into it for a few minutes.

[@drdrew3]

Your pump lost its prime. Just put a hose (or dump a bucket of water) into the pump basket until it overflows. Tighten the lid and fire up the pump. Matt have to repeat a second time. Very common when pump is dormant for long periods and tiny air leak lets water slowly siphon back into pool

[@THEJavelinX]

Do you have a link/ recommendations for adjustable return jets nozzles? My pool only has non-adjustable return jets+ a fountain

[@drdrew3]

Many jets that appear non-adjustable are just frozen in mid position. Even under close inspection mine appeared to be in fixation position straight ahead. One good knock with a rubber mallet and the pieces separated. Worth a try before you replace them - saved myself a bunch of cash

[@rodneyolsen8555]

I have an older plaster pool with 1.25 inch return lines. Unfortunately, I cannot find directional return jets for 1.25 female fittings. Any suggestions?

[@jimkline6285]

Your saying you have 1 1/4" threaded return lines, most are 1 1/2"?, or is it smooth pipe cut off at the wall?

[@asianangler]

how many returns typically needed for a residential pool?

[@drdrew3]

For a 12-15,000 gallon pool 4 return jets are usually adequate for good circulation. Any pool designer will do some serious math to determine flow rate, pump size, pipe diameters, skimmer, drain lines jet nozzle openings in addition to number of return jets. The drainage capacity needs to equal the pump output - harder to fix after it’s built. Best to leave it to the professionals

[@themotherfdude8891]

Most builders guess so pools can be wildly off from neighbor to neighbor

[@reefhustle3935]

Do a video on pool covers like the pvc ones

[@seaofdreams73]

Can you help me understand why dirt is coming out of my return jet when first turning the filter pump on. It’s like I vacuum up all the algae n dirt and it comes right back in the pool. I have an above ground pool with a sand filter.

[@themotherfdude8891]

You have a crack or hole in a pipe underground. Common sense.

[@themotherfdude8891]

Or your filter is garbage. Get a cartridge and replace it yearly depending on size and brand. Don’t skimp. Clean it often as needed. Takes 10 minutes

[@magdiel123456]

Can I put the solar cover on my pool to warm the water while I get the pipes open and get it ready?. It's mild green very little algae as of now

[@Dakobah20]

sorry no response, what did you find out?

[@themotherfdude8891]

Solar covers may add 2 degrees on a hot day. Literally waste of money

[@lenasjw67]

I have a question, I have a round above ground pool and I’m not getting good circulation in the center of the pool. I have the return jet pointed downwards but it’s still not circulating the center of the pool. Everything is flowing properly not sure if I need to position the return jets at a different angle

[@magdiel123456]

I had that issues point the return nozzle to the right or left to circulate in around motion

[@lenasjw67]

@@magdiel123456 pointed to the right or left away from the skimmer?

[@magdiel123456]

Either direction but make sure they both are pointing in the same direction you want to make a swirl effect

[@NorthJerseyFooter]

@@lenasjw67 point away from skimmer to create a circular flow so debris circles pool and runs into skimmer

[@themotherfdude8891]

Why point into the skimmer? That would make no sense. Come on guys. Use the grey matter.

[@marcodeluca4068]

So I am battling with creating a good flow for the pool surface

[@drdrew3]

I aim my 4 jets at a slight UPWARDS angle in a counter clockwise pattern. You can clearly see the surface water make a circular course and head directly for the skimmer. As a result the surface has zero floating debris. The deep / shallow circulation is fine because the in-pool vacuum removes the cooler surface from the pool bottom and the jets return it at the warmer surface. Your main drain can do the same thing but less efficiently because it is stationary

[@Frenojan007rr]

Well the brushing part, i brush my pool every 2 days

[@themotherfdude8891]

No need unless you have no circulation or under hp pump or crap filter.

[@smibrahim19]

What about the main drains!

[@themotherfdude8891]

What about them

[@sudalaikani1980]

any swimming pool maintenance company address

[@StartVisit]

thank you for skipping heater 😮

[@098cpt]

I always wanted to know why in pool field they call the water supply the ' return' while every engineering system it's called a supply... Hvac, plumbing, fire protection,

[@nycupperes]

The other side is called “suction side.”

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Any water line, above 0 psi is a return....0 psi is at atmospheric pressure.... but...before the pump...the pressure is below that...and so it becomes the supply. It's simply "Before and after the pump". Plumbers/HVAC/Firemen work AFTER the pump... to them, it is a supply.... BUT! to the pump operator....well... he's the man, isn't he! In Pools... it's water being RETURNED to the pool after pumping and filtration..... It's a closed circuit. OK?..."The water is returning to the pool..."

[@drdrew3]

We’ve always just said suction side and pressure side - never had any confusion.

[@Unknownuser2u4u]

I turned my pool pump off n it leaked... woke up to an empty pool basically 😢 😢 😢

[@samanthapowers1857]

What PSI should my pump be registering as normal ?

[@xLPDz]

Remove debris from skimmer baskets and pump basket, then backwash. Whatever number you see on your pressure gauge after back washing is your starting pressure. Should be anywhere in the range from 10-20psi

[@drdrew3]

Once you determine the baseline pressure of your system make a note of it. When you reach 10 psi above the baseline it’s time to clean the filter media

[@wafelhausen]

I have 3 jets in the pool, 1 at the deep end and 2 at the shallow end, the deep end jet has strong flow while the other 2 are weak. Is this normal or should all the jets have pretty much equal flow?

[@Art_64]

Looks like Noone is answering us

[@Lughnerson]

The deep end may be the first jet in the return line so it has the most pressure. As long as they are all working and pointing the proper direction the circulation is fine.

[@drdrew3]

Most jets can accommodate different size exit openings. A set of plastic washers often comes with the jets to fix your problem. You can balance the flow by decreasing the diameter of the exit hole on the most powerful jet. If you lost the washers pool stores have them. You can use PVC cement if not a perfect fit for your nozzles

[@amandadiaz4869]

Hi! I have pool color that I want to add for a gender reveal. How can I make the added color come out of the waterfalls of my pool?

[@drdrew3]

Please don’t

[@themotherfdude8891]

Add oil based paint right to the skimmer! Haha

[@ifyouwantpeaceprepareforwa4329]

Upload Swimming Pool To Pipe To Motor Drawing Etc