Installing a Second Return

by Don W.
(Central IL)

We have an 18 x 33 54" Sharkline pool. It has poor circulation at the ladder end which is directly opposite of the return and have had algae problems because of it. I want to add a second return but am uncertain if I would need a booster pump to accommodate that.

Also, I'm uncertain of the placement of the second return. If I didn't need a booster pump, what would I need to get the same amount of flow out of each return? Would I have to put a valve in-line to shunt some of the flow to the main return, thus giving the second return equal water pressure? This installation is in the Midwest. Thanks


Hi Don. Adding a second return can help water circulation and possibly take care of the problem you are experiencing. It is going to depend on the size pump whether it takes care of the problem or not.

One store that we dealt with sold all their above ground pools with a 1 1/2 HP pump and we installed a second return with each one of them, it was all part of the package. For anything over 1 HP the second return is very advisable. Pumps that size need more area with which to release the water back into the pool or it backs up in the filter, drags down the system, and results in poor performance and wasted electricity.

The second returns we installed did not have a valve, just a T in the line that went to the separate returns. The water flow out of each was always strong. Our second return systems were just a few feet from filter area to keep the plumbing somewhat simplified. I have also installed second returns on the other end of the pool before. On a large oval like yours a second return at the far end of the pool should finish pushing the top water back to the skimmer for better overall cleaning and circulation.

If you have a 1HP or better pump you could probably do this without a booster pump and without valves. Anything less and it would just be a matter of trying it out and seeing how it works.