Essential Tips to Improve Water Flow in Pool Plumbing

Do you suspect low water pressure in your pool system? Perhaps you’ve noticed that the water jets don’t work like they used to, or maybe you’ve observed more air bubbles than normal. Whatever the reason for your concern, low water pressure is an issue in a pool, but it can be handled with relative ease. 

First though, you need to understand how you can optimize your pool water circulation, before you can improve the water flow in your pool. 

What Hinders Effective Water Flow?

1. Clogged Mechanisms 

Debris within the skimmer basket, strainer basket, filter, or impeller is a key reason for a decreased water flow in your pool. Even leaves and twigs can get caught in your strainer basket, slowing down the overall water pressure. Even pool toys and swimming suits can get sucked in and cause some serious clogging issues. 

2. Plumbing Problems

If the pipes leading into your pool are older, you may notice some plumbing irregularities may result in ineffective water flow. A burst, bent, or collapsed pipe will affect how much water is reaching your pool. Issues with pipes are best handled by a professional plumber. 

While not a plumbing problem per say, using all your pool’s features at the same time can lead to a reduction in water flow. Turning off some or all of your pool’s features, like the sprinkler system, may improve your water flow. If the issue is due to too many pool features all at once, you may wish to invest in a larger motor that can better handle the necessary water pressure required. 

How to Improve Your Pool's Water Flow

You can take the following steps to improve the water flow in your pool plumbing:

• Carry out regular inspections of pipes

The main issue with pool plumbing as stated earlier, is clogging. Even though the filters in your water circulation system may be working properly, they are always susceptible to clogging if you do not check on them regularly. Conducting regular inspections on your pool system to ensure everything is working properly. 

You also have to be vigilant about the state of your pipes. Check your pressure gauge, which can indicate the area of the pool that is in need of a servicing. Low pressure indicates that the suction line or pump is the problem. High pressure indicates that the problem is with your return line or even your filter. 

• Clear out any debris

Simply cleaning out a skimmer basket or a strainer basket, especially in the autumn or after a big storm, can make an improvement towards your overall water pressure. A clogged filter will require a little more work and it’s important to follow the instructions for your filter when cleaning it out. If the source of your clog is the impeller, you’ll notice low PSI readings and a reduction of water flowing through the pump. 

• Inspect the pool components regularly

Regularly check on the setting of the pumps, heaters, and other pool components to ensure that the circulation of the water isn't restricted. The solution might be just as simple as ensuring that the bypass mode on the heater pipes has not been engaged.

• Hire professionals to solve significant problems

Unless you’re a pool professional or a plumber, you will probably need to contact a professional to handle some maintenance of your pool. Monitoring your pool frequently and keeping it clean is simple enough for pool owners, but identifying and replacing a leaking pump or even a motor may be beyond a skilled pool owner. Calling a professional straight away when you notice a potential problem can save you time and money, giving you more time in the long run to enjoy your pool.

Guest Contributor: Liz Buckley