Return valve positioning

[Zazoh]

Is it necessary to have the return valves churn the surface, or can effective circulation be achieved with having the water directed more below the surface.

I ask for two reasons.
1. Aesthetics.
2. Acid use, I have a waterfall, occasional use, and a spa spillover, so I am introducing air nearly everywhere and adding about a pint of acid a day, new pool too so I know new plaster uses more acid. Just thinking I don't need this extra water churn if not critical for circulation.

 

[JohnT]

Aiming the returns at the surface gives you better skimmer action, but it's not necessary.

 

[Ranger987]

I generally try to position the jets so that a very small disturbance is visible on the surface, but most of the jet is underwater. The more surface motion you have, the more of the jet that is being "wasted" & not circulating the water as effectively. I prefer to have a small disturbance just for a visual reference that the jet is working & what direction it's sending the water.

 

[Zazoh]

Thanks for the advice guys. The jets have been adjusted. I'll keep any eye on the ability of the skimmer to capture the leaves.

 

[Lana537]

We keep our returns aimed straight out horizontally. They don't
break the surface at all. That water moves! The skimmers
calmly and effectively gobble everything up; the water
surface is kept clean even though dozens of leaves per hour
fall into our pool in the summer. (crazy tulip poplar)

Lana