Enhance your water circulation with this custom-engineered, low-profile water return jet and vortex diverter. Designed to optimize fluid dynamics and maximize surface skimming action, this model is a robust replacement for standard basic above-ground pool factory return nozzles.

Features & Functional Design

• Optimized Fluid Dynamics: Features a smooth transition around the 90-degree bend to maximize water flow. When simulated with https://www.simscale.com/, this inlet jet generates 3x the amount of water pressure without putting undue stress on the pump!
• Slight Size-Restriction at Nozzle: This increases the velocity of the water without putting undue stress on the pool pump.
• Low-Profile, Snug Fit: Engineered with precision tolerances in Onshape to sit flush against the pool wall to prevent snagging while kids inevitably create a “whirlpool”.
• 3D Printing Optimized: Features intentional overhang angles to eliminate the need for support material
• BONUS: If you print this with ASA you can use a simple acetone vapor bath to remove all the layer lines and reduce the chance of algae spores clinging to the ridges of the print. If you want more tips

Open Source & Remixes

To make it as easy as possible for the community to tweak or enhance this design, I have included the STEP and OBJ files. You can also access the live project directly via the Onshape Document Link.

Recommended Print Settings

For maximum durability and outdoor longevity, use the following print guidelines:

• Material: ASA or PETG is highly recommended for its superior UV protection, chlorine resistance, and thermal stability in outdoor environments. Avoid PLA, as it will degrade in treated pool water and direct sunlight. I used Elegoo's ASA so I could do a vapor bath and remove all the layer lines that potential algae spores could collect on.
• Infill: 20%–30% (Gyroid or Cubic pattern for structural rigidity). I used 20% Cubic with the Elegoo Slicer's “0.20mm Strength @Elegoo CC 0.4 nozzle” preset profile.
• Perimeters/Wall Loops: 5–6 walls to ensure the piece is completely watertight and resistant to backpressure. I used the default “Strength” setting, which is 6 walls.
• Brim: Recommend “Outer brim only” even though the slicer doesn't say it is required,there is very little surface area actually touching the print bed, so adding the brim will help it hold on tight throughout the printing process. I used “Outer brim only” with a brim width of 5mm.
• Print Orientation: Should be printed at a 45-degree angle with the nozzle opening on the print bed. The Elegoo Slicer recommended printing it on its side when using the “Auto Orient” feature, but this will require supports and not give you the cleanest print.
• Post-Processing: I highly encourage you to print this with ASA and use an acetone vapor bath to smooth the layer lines! This gives you an almost glass-looking finish and provides less opportunities for algae spores to cling to the layer lines! I put mine in a vapor bath for about 45 minutes and then let it resolidify and off-gas for 24 hours before touching it.

Designer Note: This model was iteratively tested and engineered specifically to handle high-flow pool pump pressures without cracking or blowing out. Perfect for anyone looking to over-engineer their pool maintenance setup!

Additional Note: I do not recommend pointing your water diverter straight up, as shown in the two included GIFs. Those demonstrations were merely to highlight the dramatic difference in water pressure and velocity output. For optimal daily operation, I recommend positioning the nozzle parallel to the water level, adding a slight 20° to 30° downward angle, and pointing it away from the skimmer basket to establish a clean circular flow.