Abstract: A liquid circulation system having a tank or tub of liquid and an external recirculation pump with one or more suction ports in the tank, and a submerged return port from the pump, having each suction port adjacent to, and preferably annular to, a return port. The entrapment of large objects in the suction port or ports is prevented by close proximity between the suction and return ports, particularly when the return flow constitutes a high-velocity jet as in hot tubs or spas.