What is it, what does it do and how do I use it? Part 7: Return Jet

Wow, really? A return jet?? YES! This is a component of our swimming pool that is grossly misunderstood. These are the fixtures that allow and control how water is returned to the swimming pool. Some are fixed but most are adjustable. First, lets talk installation. Most wall jets consist of an ‘eyeball’ and a retainer for that part. Some also have a base that screws into the wall socket. No matter what type you have, you do not need to use teflon tape! After all, why seal a thread leak for a fitting that has a 3/4″ hole in it??? The next thing. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. These do not have to be tight in the wall. You need to be able to adjust them so tight enough to stay in but loose enough to adjust. There should never be a need to use tools when installing or removing the return jet. Why do these need to be adjusted is the real question. Now that our water has been processed and treated, we want to make sure it mixes well with the rest of the water in the swimming pool. The recommended practice is to aim the jets downward and at a 45 degree angle. This will allow our treated water to get to the bottom of the pool and create a rotational circulation pattern in the pool. If you have a spot where you always get algae, adjust the jet to better access that point. Of course, regular brushing of the walls and floor is the best way to control algae but eliminating stagnant areas will definitely help. Most swimming pools are designed with at least two return jets, one in the shallow end and one in the deep end. Its normal for the jet closest to the equipment to have higher flow than the far jet. We can adjust this by using a reducer inserted in the high flowing jet (available from manufacturer). Since water wants to travel the path of least resistance, by reducing the 3/4″ opening to 1/2″ our water will be forced to the other jets in the system thus equalizing flow. Some people erroneously think that these reducers are used to make the water flow faster or deeper but that is not the case. They are used to balance the water flow. My mother used to always run out and point these upwards so she could see the ‘ripples’ in the water. No matter how much I tried, I could never convince her that aiming the returns up was changing her water chemistry in a negative way!

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