How to choose the swimming pool water circulation method?
How to choose a pool water circulation method?
We can analyze the pool's "type, purpose, and budget" and then choose the circulation method that suits our needs.
Generally, swimming pool water circulation follows three methods: Downstream, Upstream and Mixed Flow. Let's look at their differences.
- Downstream
The circulating water is fed into the pool through inlets located below the water surface on the end or side walls, and then retrieved from the return inlets at the bottom of the pool. The used water is then purified (through chemical dosing, filtration, heating, and disinfection) before being returned to the pool for reuse.
- Upstream
The circulating water is fed into the pool through a water inlet or water trough located at the bottom of the pool, and then the corresponding volume of water used is retrieved through an overflow trough located on the outside of the pool wall. After purification (dosing chemicals, filtration, heating and disinfection), the water is returned to the pool for continued use.
- Mixed Flow
60% to 70% of the circulating water is collected through an overflow return trough located on the outside of the pool wall, while the remaining 30% to 40% is collected through a return inlet located at the bottom of the pool. These two portions of circulating water are then combined, purified (through chemical dosing, filtration, heating, and disinfection), and returned to the pool for reuse via the return flow.
|
Items name |
Downstream |
Upstream |
Mixed Flow |
|
Working principle |
Water enters through the side walls and returns to the bottom.
|
Bottom inlet, overflow trough return
|
Water enters from the bottom of the pool, with overflow trough (approximately 60-70%) and return water from the bottom (approximately 30-40%). |
|
Water quality effect |
Generally, this can easily lead to stagnant water zones and floating debris.
|
Excellent, uniform water quality, effectively removes floating debris |
Optimal, combining the advantages of both, resulting in the best water quality balance. |
|
Construction cost |
Low |
Medium
|
Highest |
|
Construction difficulty |
Simple, fewer pipes, no need for a balancing tank.
|
Complex, requires a leveling tank, high civil engineering requirements
|
Most complex, with complex piping and control systems
|
|
Applicable scenarios |
Suitable for small to medium-sized swimming pools, community pools, and seasonal swimming pools. |
Competition pools, heated pools, hotel pools |
Suitable for large public swimming pools, water parks, and other venues with high overall water quality requirements |
For The Mixed Flow , it has relatively high and complex construction requirements, so that few people choose it.
