Recirculate Mode

[alam2p]

I have an old sand filter that is leaking from the drain plug. While I wait for the pool guy to come fix it, can I safely run the filter in recirculate mode just to get the water moving? I’ve been trying to see how to water flows through the multiport and can’t find anything concrete online. My concern is that even in recirculate, the water might still enter the filter housing and make the leak worse…

Thanks!

 

[HermanTX]

Normally in recirculate the filter is bypassed. The inlet flow goes straight to the outlet flow plumbing. You mention you have an old sand filter so it would be good to review the part number of the multiport valve on top.
You can try it and if there is zero pressure on your filter then it has been bypassed.

 

[Darin]

Shut the pump off and remove the cap. There is a little $1 gasket in the bottom.
Even though it is plastic try a few wraps of Teflon tape. Fire it back up and observe. Just might fix the leak in 2 minutes of your time.

 

[Darin]

To answer you question, yes recirculate bypasses the sand chamber. The multi-port valves are handy that way.