How to Improve Swimming Pool Jets

Several factors can contribute to poor functionality from your swimming pool return jets, and you'll want to troubleshoot carefully to ensure you fix the right thing. After your pool's water is filtered and cleaned, it's released through the swimming pool jet. If the circulation is suffering, the swimming pool jet will have the appearance that it's not functioning properly when in fact the issue is most likely due to other factors. Things such as your pool's water level, a filled skimmer basket, the jet's position and a dirty filter can contribute to poor jet operation.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the pool's filter jet parallel to the water surface. A downward-turned return jet can give the appearance that the jet is not pushing out any water.
- 2
  Examine the current water level. The water should be somewhere between the halfway and two-thirds point of the pool skimmer's vertical height for optimal filter circulation.
- 3
  Clean out the pool's skimmer basket. Large pieces of dirt and debris such as leaves will block water flow to the filter, resulting in a loss of circulation pressure. Remove small pool toys and inflatables that can block the skimmer opening as well.
- 4
  Back-wash your filter according to manufacturer's guidelines. Back-washing procedures can vary based on whether a filter uses sand, diatomaceous earth or cartridges. A dirty filter will have increased internal pressure that blocks the flow of water through the filter. A filter typically requires back-washing when the pressure rises 8 to 10 lbs. per square inch (psi) above its normal operating pressure. Normal pressure can vary based on filter size.

Parts of a Sta-Rite Crystal Flo Sand Filter

Swimming Pool Plumbing Process

Swimming Pools & Spas