Your pool is your private slice of paradise—crystal-clear water, sunny skies, and relaxation galore. But keeping it that way? That takes a little know-how. At Southern Pools, we’ve been building dream pools across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties for years, and trust us, circulation and filtration make all the difference.
Fortunately, optimizing your pool’s water flow doesn’t have to be a chore. With just a bit of fine-tuning, you can turn your pool into the sparkling centerpiece of your backyard effortlessly.
Why Water Flow Matters
Think of your pool’s water flow like your home’s air circulation system. When it’s optimized, everything runs smoothly, keeping debris and contaminants out of sight and out of mind.
Here in Central Florida—whether you’re in Polk, Highlands, or Hardee Counties—where we see constant heat, humidity, and summer storms, keeping your water flowing properly is the key to battling algae, debris, and other pool problems. Water needs to continuously move through your filtration system so it can catch particles, disperse chemicals, and maintain that sparkling-clean vibe.
The time it takes for your entire pool’s water volume to pass through the filtration system is called the turnover rate. A good benchmark to shoot for is a complete turnover at least once a day.
How to Optimize Water Flow
Now that you know the importance of water flow, how do you keep it moving smoothly? Here are some tips:
1. Skimmers That Actually Skim
Your skimmers are your pool’s first line of defense, pulling in debris floating on the surface.
Inspect the skimmer basket for cracks and replace it if necessary. Also, make sure the weir (that tiny door flap) is intact and moving properly because it helps scoop debris into the basket rather than letting it float aimlessly.
2. Give Your Pump Some Love
During Central Florida’s balmy summers, your pump needs to work overtime. You should ideally run it for at least eight hours a day to prevent algae and make sure everything stays circulated.
If you have a variable-speed pump (smart choice, by the way), dial it down during off-peak hours to save energy while still racking up hours of filtration.
Don’t forget to clean the pump’s strainer basket and check for air leaks in the lid gasket. A little lubricant on the gasket will go a long way in preventing efficiency hiccups.
3. Check Those Return Jets
Ideally, your jets should be aimed downward at a slight angle, creating a circular flow pattern that helps debris spiral toward the skimmers. If your jets are inconsistent, experiment with different-sized eyeballs (the jet fittings) to balance water pressure across the pool.
4. Keep Your Filter Clean
Around Polk and Highlands Counties, where rain showers and landscaping debris are common concerns, a squeaky-clean filter is essential for keeping your pool clear. Whether you’ve got a sand, DE (diatomaceous earth), or cartridge filter, routine maintenance is non-negotiable.
Check the pressure gauge regularly—a spike in pressure is your cue to clean or backwash the filter. For DE filters specifically, go the extra mile by occasionally hosing out the grids to keep them functioning like new.
5. Balance the Flow
Use your suction manifold (the valves near your pump) to adjust your water intake. About 75% of the water flow should come from the skimmers and 25% from the main drains.
Most of the gunk you want to filter floats near the surface. This balance ensures you’re focusing your efforts where it counts.
Build Your Dream Pool With Southern Pools
At Southern Pools, we don’t just build pools—we create backyard escapes while making maintenance a breeze.
Based right here in Central Florida, our family-owned company serves Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. We pride ourselves on exceptional speed and a commitment to quality.
We’re proud to install PebbleTec finishes, known for their unparalleled durability and stunning looks that elevate any pool. And when it comes to equipment, we trust Pentair—a name synonymous with reliability and efficiency.
When you work with us, it’s not just about a pool—it’s about an experience. From the first design meeting to the final splash, we’re here to make your dream pool a reality. Give us a call today!