Should I run my pool pump on filter or recirculate when adding chemicals?

Author: Edmund Dickens  |  Last update: Sunday, June 14, 2026

If you want to distribute chemicals throughout the pool, without risk of clogging the filter, running your pump on recirculate for 2 hours should be sufficient. Of course, if your filter is faulty you should aim to replace it as quickly as possible, so as to avoid excessive build up of solid particles and debris.

Do I recirculate or filter when shocking the pool?

You should run the pump to circulate the shocking chemical around in the water. Most times the pump is connected to the filter, so, yes, run the filter.

Should pool filter be on when adding chemicals?

Simply adding chemicals when the pool is running or turning on the pool when you add them is the most efficient way to get the chemicals circulating in your pool. Adding chemicals to a pool that is off is less effective and depending on the chemical, say liquid chlorine, the results will be poor.

What is the difference between filter and circulate on pool pump?

Filtration refers to the removal of small particles from the water. Circulation is when the water is moved around the pool effectively, allowing the chemicals to reach the entire pool area. Good circulation in your pool means much more of the pool water reaches the filter.

Can you leave your pool pump on recirculate?

With filter on re-circulate, run pump for 2 hours then cut pump off. 24 hours later, hand vacuum slowly to remove waste. Wait one more day as pool water may drop out additional waste during this time.

Sand Filter 'Recirculate' Mode: How Pool Recirculation Works | Splash Works Pool & Spa

Should a pool pump be on filter or recirculate?

If you want to distribute chemicals throughout the pool, without risk of clogging the filter, running your pump on recirculate for 2 hours should be sufficient. Of course, if your filter is faulty you should aim to replace it as quickly as possible, so as to avoid excessive build up of solid particles and debris.

What not to do with a pool pump?

11 Ways to Destroy Your Pool Pump
  1. Frozen Pool Pump. Problem: Water expands 9% when it turns into ice, and this can rupture a pool pump volute or strainer housing, causing cracks that require part replacement. ...
  2. Flooded Pool Pump. ...
  3. Dry Pool Pump. ...
  4. Wet Pool Pump. ...
  5. Hot Pool Pump. ...
  6. Wrong Size Pump. ...
  7. Wrong Pump Wiring. ...
  8. Insect Infestation.

What does recirculate do on a Hayward pool pump?

Re-circulate – The water enters the valve and returns into the pool. (The water never enters the filter tank). Rinse – Mainly used with sand filters. After backwashing run the filter in the rinse position, this will clear the plumbing lines from any remaining debris left after backwashing and resets the sand bed.

How to get rid of floating algae in a pool?

Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub any pool surfaces covered in algae, including the walls, floors and steps. Apply a green algaecide according to the directions on the label. Let the water circulate for 24 hours, then brush the pool surfaces again. Vacuum or backwash to remove any remaining dead algae.

How to correctly add chemicals to a pool?

After dissolving the chemicals, distribute them evenly around the pool, avoiding the skimmer box and metal fittings. Keep the pump and filter running for 4-6 hours to help disperse the chemicals. Avoid swimming within 24 hours of adding start-up chemicals and salt.

Do you run pool filter when adding algaecide?

– Run the filter for 24 hours after adding the algaecide. This will help circulate it throughout the pool and remove any dead algae. By following these tips, you can ensure that you're adding enough algaecide to get rid of the algae without causing harm to your swimming pool or swimmers.

When adding chemicals to a pool what rule must always be followed?

Do-Not's. As for the 'do-not's,' you should never add water to chemicals, instead chemicals should be added to water. In the industry, people use the acronym AAA (always add acid) to remember this rule. Never pour chemicals too quickly or mix them together.

What setting should pool pump be on when shocking?

Add the shock to your pool water

Make sure your pool pump is running at full speed to maximise circulation.

Does recirculate bypass the pool filter?

RECIRCULATE: A filter bypass setting. Use this if your filter's broken or leaking; at least you're circulating the water.

What does the circulate setting do on a pool?

Circulation moves your pool water through the filter, removing particles and debris from the pool. This is important because, without proper filtration, impurities can build up resulting in a dirty pool.

Is it better to run your pool pump at night or day?

It's often recommended to run your pool pump during the evening or at night as these are outside of peak times.

What does the recirculation setting do on a pool pump?

Recirculate – Much like with the “waste” option, this bypasses the pool filter, but while “waste” sends the water out of your pool, “recirculate” sends it back into your pool.

What should I set my pool pump on when vacuuming?

To begin vacuuming your pool:
  1. If you have a sand filter and are vacuuming to waste, set filter to “waste” option. ...
  2. Otherwise, leave setting on “filter” and turn pump on to begin vacuuming. ...
  3. Vacuum your pool just as you would vacuum your living room, picking up debris or algae as you go.

Should you use recirculate?

On hot days, if you do not recirculate the cooler air in the cabin, then your AC system is pulling hot air from outside and trying to cool it. Using the recirculation feature will get your car cooler and will decrease the wear and tear on your AC system.

How long to recirculate a pool after shocking?

Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8 hours after you shock your swimming pool. This provides adequate time for the filter to clean the water and for the pump to circulate the chemicals. If you're treating algae, plan to run the filter for ideally 24 hours. . . . . .

Should you rinse or recirculate after backwash?

In order to prevent residual blow back into the pool, once you've finished backwashing it's highly advisable to rinse the filter. Just as the backwash lifts and flushes the sand, the rinse resets the sand to its original position for optimum filtration.

What ruins a pool pump?

Maintain Proper Water Levels

Keep your pool water at the recommended level. If the water level drops too low, the pump can run dry, potentially causing overheating and damage.

Should you run your pool pump while swimming?

Since most people will be swimming during the daytime, get ahead of the bacteria and debris by running the pump while you have swimmers in the water. Save money running pump by operating during non-peak times. Pump again in the daytime because bacteria thrive in warmer, still water.

Does a pool pump waste a lot of electricity?

It also consumes up to a few thousand kilo-watt hours per year, making it second only to to your air conditioner or heat pump. Your pool pump could be your home's second largest energy user, costing you as much as $270 in utility bills every year.

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