Proper pool maintenance is essential for ensuring clear, healthy water and the longevity of your equipment. One often overlooked but critical aspect of pool operation is the positioning of the pool return valves—specifically, whether they should be open or closed during various phases of filtration, cleaning, and maintenance. Understanding the correct position for your pool returns not only boosts efficiency but also prevents costly mistakes.
This article explores the ins and outs of pool return positions. We’ll delve into what pool returns are, how they function within your system, and the ideal positioning for different scenarios—from regular operation to maintenance tasks and winterization. This guide is designed to offer actionable insights and save you time and expenses in the long run.
What Are Pool Return Valves and Why Do They Matter?
Pool return valves are essential components of your pool’s plumbing system. These valves control the flow of filtered water back into the pool after it has passed through the pump and filter. Depending on your system, you might find multiple return valves that control flow to different areas of the pool or components like the waste line during backwashing.
In essence, the position of your pool return valves determines where the water goes after filtration and how your system performs under certain conditions like backwashing, winterizing, or vacuuming.
Key Functions of Pool Return Valves
- Control water direction from the filter back into the pool or waste.
- Maintain proper water circulation to keep the pool clean and balanced.
- Facilitate filter cleaning (backwashing) without flooding the pool area.
- Allow for seasonal pool maintenance, like winterizing.
Getting the positioning of these valves right is crucial. Even a small mistake can result in cloudy water, equipment damage, or even flooding.
Standard Pool Filter Positions and What They Mean
Most multiport valves found on sand or DE (diatomaceous earth) filters contain six or seven distinct settings. Understanding what each setting does will help you determine when to open or close specific valves:
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Filter | Clean water returns to the pool; standard operation mode. |
| Backwash | Reverses water flow through the filter to flush out debris. |
| Rinse | Short setting after backwashing to clear lines before resuming filtration. |
| Waste | Water bypasses the filter and goes directly to waste/drain. |
| Recirculate | Water bypasses the filter and returns directly to the pool; helpful for chemical treatment. |
| Winterize / Closed (on some models) | Closing the system for winter or maintenance. |
Now, let’s look at when and where to position your pool return valves for optimal results.
Should Your Pool Return Be Open or Closed? A By-Scenario Breakdown
Knowing when to open or close your pool return valves is essential to proper system functioning. Each operation corresponds to a different valve position and has specific requirements.
1. During Normal Filtration (Filter Position)
The most common setting for regular pool use is the Filter position.
All return valves should be open** in this case because filtered water must flow back into the pool to maintain circulation and balance chemical levels.
This ensures:
- Continuous removal of debris and contaminants.
- Proper turnover of pool water (typically once every 8–10 hours).
- Efficient use of chemicals like chlorine or salt chlorinators.
2. During Backwashing (Backwash Position)
When you’re backwashing your filter to clean it (e.g., for sand or DE filters), the pool return should be closed to the main pool line.
This setting:
- Reverses water flow through the filter media.
- Drains dirty water out through the waste line.
- Prevents unfiltered water from re-entering the pool before cleaning.
Make sure your waste line is properly directed to a drainage area to avoid water damage around the pool.
3. In Rinse Mode After Backwashing
After backwashing, always switch to the Rinse position briefly. The pump runs, but water goes directly to waste.
In this mode:
- Plumbing lines are flushed of debris.
- Valve alignment is reset for normal filtration.
The return to the pool should remain closed briefly during the rinse cycle before being opened again for filtration.
4. When Using the Waste Setting
The Waste setting bypasses the filter entirely. It’s typically used to:
- Lower the pool water level.
- Vacuum debris directly out of the pool.
- Remove excess chemicals or algae.
In this setting, the pool return to filter/pool should remain closed**. This ensures water exits through the waste line rather than re-entering the pool unfiltered.
5. When Recirculating Chemical Treatments
The Recirculate setting is useful when treating your pool with chemicals such as algaecide, clarifier, or when shocking the pool in a closed-loop system to preserve chlorine.
When using this feature:
- Water is recirculated through the pump and back into the pool without passing through the filter.
- The main pool return should be open, but the return into filtration may be partially closed or bypassed, depending on the valve design.
This prevents unnecessary strain on the filter while allowing the chemical treatment to be evenly dispersed.
6. During Winterization or Maintenance Shutdown
In colder climates, proper winterization includes closing and draining certain valves and lines to prevent freezing damage.
In this scenario, all pool returns may be turned to Closed after draining:
- Pipes are blown out and sealed.
- Multiport valve bypasses are closed or winterized.
This prevents water from sitting in systems and cracking due to freeze expansion.
7. For Pool Vacuuming (In-Water Debris Removal)
When using a pool vacuum attached to the skimmer or dedicated vacuum port, open or closed return positioning depends on the valve setting.
If you’re vacuuming to waste:
- Set the multiport valve to Waste.
- Close the return back to the filter or pool.
If you’re vacuuming using the filter mode:
- Keep the multiport valve in Filter position, so water is returned clean to the pool via return jets.
It’s important to be aware of which setting you’re using to avoid re-circulating debris or causing unnecessary backpressure.
Best Practices for Setting Pool Return Valves
To ensure your pool stays healthy and your equipment lasts, follow these best-practice tips:
1. Know Your Specific Valve Diagram
Valve setups vary depending on brand and model. Use your filter’s specific valve diagram to understand how it directs flow. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or diagrams printed on the valve cover.
2. Never Run the Pump Dry
Before switching valve positions, ensure that water continues flowing through the pump. Running the pump dry (no water intake) can damage impellers and seals.
3. Operate Valves Only When the Pump is Off
Switching multiport valves while the pump is running can cause hydraulic shock or even damage the valve. Always turn off the pump, make your selection, prime if necessary, and then restart.
4. Inspect Return Lines for Leaks or Clogs
Leaks or blockages in return lines can affect total head pressure and flow efficiency. Regularly inspect the lines for obstructions around the return jets and valves.
5. Mark Valve Positions for Quick Reference
Labeling each setting with signs (e.g., Filter, Backwash) can help prevent operational errors. You can purchase labeled stickers or install a valve rotation indicator.
6. Consider Using a Return Line Timer
To automate proper water movement, especially in heated pools or during off-seasons, timers or automated control systems can ensure the proper returns are open, closed, or operating on a schedule.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned pool owners can make errors with return positioning. The following mistakes are common:
Mistake 1: Leaving Return Closed in Filter Mode
What happens: Water cannot return, causing pump pressure buildup.
Solution: Always double-check that returns are fully open in Filter mode.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Close Return During Backwash
What happens: Dirty water might re-enter the pool or cause plumbing strain.
Solution: Prior to backwashing, visually inspect valve position and lines.
Mistake 3: Leaving Waste Line Unattended
What happens: Significant water loss or property damage in extended Waste mode.
Solution: Use only when necessary—supervise when running to waste.
Mistake 4: Misreading Multiport Settings
What happens: Accidentally setting to Rinse or Waste instead of Filter.
Solution: Keep a checklist of proper positions near the pump area.
How Valve Positioning Affects Water Chemistry and Clarity
Your return valve positioning indirectly influences water balance and sanitizer efficiency. When water flows properly through your system:
- Chemicals like chlorine are evenly dispersed.
- pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness can be kept in check.
- Contaminants and organic matter are more effectively filtered.
Conversely, when return valves are incorrectly positioned or lines are blocked:
- Chemicals may clump or settle without mixing.
- Dead zones develop in the pool, encouraging algae growth.
- Circulation inefficiencies lead to cloudy or discolored water.
Thus, ensuring proper returns are open during filtration directly supports a healthy chemical environment in your pool.
Conclusion: The Right Return Position for Every Situation
Understanding whether your pool return should be open or closed depends on the activity you’re engaging in—be it filtration, backwashing, vacuuming, or chemical treatment. Each setting demands a careful review of multiport valve position and line direction.
By mastering these basics, you can:
- Extend the life of your filter and pump.
- Maintain clear, safe, and balanced water.
- Avoid unnecessary stress and water loss during maintenance.
If you’re new to managing pool returns, start simple—read your equipment manual, map your plumbing lines, and ask questions from a local pool professional if needed. With time, correct valve positioning becomes second nature.
Maintaining your pool is not just about chemicals and cleaning tools—it’s also about the silent but powerful components like your returns and valves. Give them the attention they deserve, and your pool will thank you with sparkling water and reliable performance for seasons to come.
What is a pool return and why is its positioning important?
A pool return, also known as a return jet or eyeball fitting, is the opening through which filtered water reenters the pool after circulating through the pump and filtration system. These returns play a crucial role in maintaining proper water circulation, temperature, and chemical distribution throughout the pool. The positioning of your pool returns directly affects how efficiently your pool cleans itself, prevents stagnant water, and maintains even chemical balance.
Improperly positioned returns can lead to dead spots—areas of the pool where water doesn’t circulate well, potentially causing algae growth, cloudy water, and inefficient filtration. By adjusting your return fittings correctly, you can optimize water flow and reduce the workload on your pump and filter, ultimately extending their lifespan and saving on energy costs.
Should I keep my pool returns fully open at all times?
In general, it is not necessary to keep all pool returns fully open all the time, but they should be open enough to allow for adequate water flow through the system. Closing returns completely can restrict water movement, increase pressure in the plumbing lines, and strain the pump motor, which may lead to mechanical failures over time. Proper adjustment of return jets ensures balanced circulation without overburdening your equipment.
However, some pool maintenance routines or specific situations may require temporarily adjusting the returns. For example, during vacuuming or after adding chemicals, partially closing or redirecting returns can help manage water flow and ensure better distribution. Still, you should always return them to a standard open position after such tasks to maintain long-term system health and water clarity.
How does the position of pool returns affect water circulation?
The position of the pool returns determines the direction and strength of the water being expelled back into the pool. When returns are properly angled, they create a gentle current that encourages full turnover of the water, pulling it through the skimmer and filter. Correct positioning can also help circulate water from the surface to the bottom of the pool and prevent pockets of stagnant water.
If returns are all aimed in the same direction or positioned improperly, water may flow in uneven patterns, creating eddies or dead zones. This imbalance can reduce filtration efficiency and make it harder to maintain consistent sanitizer levels, increasing the risk of algae and bacterial growth. Adjusting the returns to vary angles around the pool helps promote even and effective circulation.
What is the ideal position for pool return jets?
The ideal position for pool return jets is typically aimed just below the water surface at a slight downward angle. This positioning helps create surface movement, encouraging the circulation of both the top and bottom layers of water. Aiming the returns in alternating directions around the perimeter of the pool helps maintain a consistent flow pattern without creating too much turbulence.
It’s also beneficial to angle the jet openings toward the pool’s main drain or skimmer to assist in pulling water through the system. This configuration can enhance the efficiency of both skimming surface debris and drawing deeper water into circulation. Adjusting the jets seasonally or during specific maintenance tasks can further refine this positioning based on pool usage and environmental factors.
How many pool returns should I have open at once?
Ideally, all of your pool returns should be open, but not necessarily fully wide open. It’s important to maintain a good balance between water flow and the number of return jets in operation. Having all returns open helps ensure even distribution of water throughout the pool, promoting proper circulation and filtration.
However, if your pool has a multiport valve or a valve system that allows you to adjust flow to specific returns, you may strategically close or reduce the flow in certain areas depending on the current needs of the pool. For example, if you’re vacuuming heavily, temporarily closing a return near the vacuum head can help increase suction and improve efficiency. Just remember to return to a balanced configuration afterward.
Can closing pool returns help with vacuuming the pool?
Yes, temporarily closing or partially adjusting pool returns can assist in increasing the suction when vacuuming the pool. By reducing the number of active returns, you help redirect flow toward the skimmer or vacuum line, enhancing the pickup power of debris from the pool floor. This can be especially helpful when dealing with fine particles or heavy debris accumulation.
However, this adjustment should only be temporary. Prolonged use of closed returns can strain the pump system, create unbalanced water pressure, and reduce filtration efficiency. Once the vacuuming is complete, it’s best to return all pool jets to their standard open position to ensure consistent circulation and prevent long-term wear on the equipment.
Should pool return jets be adjusted for different seasons?
Yes, adjusting pool return jets for different seasons can enhance pool performance and efficiency. In the summer, when pool usage increases, aiming the returns slightly downward helps circulate deeper, cooler water and ensures chemicals are well distributed. In the winter, especially in areas prone to cold temperatures, adjusting returns to point slightly upward helps circulate warmer surface water downward, reducing the risk of freezing in pipes and promoting better heater efficiency.
Additionally, seasonal changes in weather patterns, such as heavy winds or rainfall, may require temporary jet adjustments to compensate for debris inflow or water temperature variations. Taking the time to fine-tune your return positions with the seasons can lead to better water quality, reduced chemical consumption, and less strain on your pool equipment.