The pool pump should operate for 6 to 8 hours each day to maintain a clean and healthy swimming pool. This duration is essential to circulate the entire volume of pool water at least once. The specific running time of your pool pump can be fine-tuned based on seasonal variations and water temperature. For instance, during times when the water temperature is below 68 °F (20 °C), running the pump for 2×2 hours per day is often sufficient.
Adapting the pool pump’s running time to seasonal changes is a reliable strategy for most pools. This approach ensures that the water remains clear and safe for swimming, while also being energy-efficient.
| Season | Daily running time in hours |
|---|---|
| Spring | 2×2/Day |
| Summer | 2×4/Day |
| Autumn | 2×2/Day |
| Winter | 2×1/Day |
An optimized pool pump schedule contributes to the water’s clarity and also helps in reducing electricity costs. Understanding these factors is crucial for setting the right running time for your pool pump, which is discussed in detail in this article.
What Does A Pool Pump Do?
A pool pump initiates pool circulation, the heart of your pool’s filtration system. Its primary function is to draw water into the pool’s filtration system and then push it through the filter.
By drawing water in and pushing it through the filter, the pool pump ensures the filtration system captures debris and bacteria. Regardless of the filter type, its filtration efficiency relies on the continuous movement of water, enabling it to trap debris and bacteria.
The entire pool volume must pass through the pool filter system at least once daily, known as the turnover rate. The concept of turnover rate is central to pool cleanliness. Ignoring this process could transform your swimming pool into an unwelcoming environment, conducive to algae growth and other undesirable elements.
How To Calculate The Running Time Of Your Pool Pump?
Calculating the running time of a pool pump involves 3 steps, ensuring that the pool water is adequately circulated based on its volume and the pump’s capacity. The 3 steps are listed below.
1. Estimate water volume.
- For rectangular pools: Multiply length, width, and average depth.
- For round pools: Use the formula radius² x 3.14 x depth.
- The aim is to determine the water volume in cubic meters (m³).
2. Divide water volume by pool pump output.
- Divide the water volume (m³) by the pool pump’s output rate, measured in m³/h.
- This division gives you the base running time in hours for a single daily circulation.
3. Adjust for increased water circulation.
- If the goal is to circulate the water more than once a day, multiply the water volume by the desired circulation factor (e.g., 1.5 times).
- Divide this new volume by the pump’s output rate to get the adjusted running time.
If the calculated running time exceeds the recommended 6 to 8 hours, consider upgrading to a more powerful pump. A more powerful pump ensures efficient water circulation within the ideal time frame.
In between these steps, it’s crucial to consider the individual characteristics of your pool and the pump’s efficiency. For instance, an underpowered pump for a large pool requires an extended running time, which might not be energy-efficient. Upon completing these calculations, you can fine-tune your pool pump’s running time, balancing between effective water filtration and energy efficiency. This process, although straightforward, is vital for pool maintenance and a safe swimming environment.
Are Pool Pump Running Times Influenced By Water Temperature?
Yes, water temperature significantly influences pool pump running times. It’s crucial to adjust the running time based on the pool’s climate zone and water temperature.
Determining the running times based on the water temperature in the swimming pool is much more reliable. In which climate zone is your pool, and how warm is the pool water?
This table shows how long to run a pool pump depending on the water temperature. You will find the table below.
| Water temp. °F | Runtime hours/day |
|---|---|
| up to 68 °F | 2×2 hours/day |
| up to 73 °F | 2×3 hours/day |
| from 73 °C | 2×4 hours/day |
For instance, at temperatures up to 68 °F (20 °C), running the pump for 2×2 hours per day suffices. As the temperature increases, the required running time extends, e.g., up to 73 °F (2×3 hours/day) and above 73 °C (2×4 hours/day). A digital temperature display floater is ideal for monitoring pool water temperature.
Adjusting the pump’s timer daily is necessary when basing running times on water temperature. Additionally, if the temperature drops below 62 °F (17 °C), reducing the filter time to 1 hour/day can save electricity while maintaining water cleanliness.
The pool size and pool pump performance should also be considered when calculating filter runtimes. For absolute prevention of cloudy pool water, circulating the water 1.5 to 2 times a day is recommended.
When Is The Best Time To Run Your Pool Pump?
Below are 8 key points outlining the optimal times to run your pool pump.
- Determine Non-Peak Hours: Contact your electricity provider to find out when non-peak hours occur in your area. These are typically times when electricity is cheaper due to lower demand.
- Use a Programmable Timer: Employ a programmable pool timer to automate your pump’s operation during non-peak hours, reducing energy costs.
- Consider Day vs. Night Operation: In warmer climates, running the pump at night may be more cost-effective, as peak hours often coincide with daytime air conditioning use.
- After Adding Chemicals: Run the pump after adding pool chemicals to ensure even distribution. This is especially important for chemicals like pool shock, which should be added at dusk or night.
- Special Case – Pool Shock: If using pool shock, run the pump at night to prevent the sun from diminishing its effectiveness. A minimum of eight hours is recommended for full distribution.
- Flexibility in Hours: Running the pump for a total of eight hours per day doesn’t require continuous operation. It can be split into intervals throughout the day, in line with non-peak hours.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Avoid running the pump during extreme weather, such as storms, to prevent damage.
- Pool Cover Consideration: If you have a pool cover, ensure the water temperature does not exceed the pump’s maximum operating temperature, usually around 96°F (36°C).
It is recommended that the pool pump runs through during a pool shock until the chlorine level drops to an average level under 1.5 ppm. However, this is only a recommendation and not an absolutely necessary procedure for pool care. If there is no other way, you can spread the operating time over the day.
How Long Do You Run A Pool Cartridge Filter?
The duration for running a pool cartridge filter is determined by the same principle. The water volume of the pool divided by the delivery rate of the pump. This formula applies universally, regardless of the brand or type of pool pump in use. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an Intex cartridge filter, a Bestway pool pump, or a larger system connected to a sand filter.
Can I Run The Pump In The Pool With A Cover On?
Running the pool pump with a pool cover on is generally feasible for pool care. However, it’s crucial to monitor the water temperature, as certain pumps are designed to operate efficiently only up to a specific temperature threshold, typically around 96°F (36°C). Exceeding this limit can impact the pump’s performance and longevity.
Should You Run The Pool Pump When It Rains?
Operating the pool pump during light rain is usually safe. Nevertheless, in conditions of extreme weather, such as during a storm, it’s advisable to turn off the pool pump to prevent potential damage. Additionally, ensuring that automated timers do not activate the pool pump during such adverse weather conditions is important for both safety and equipment integrity.
Do I Have To Turn Off The Pool Pump When Swimming?
While most pool pumps sold in the EU adhere to safety standards, such as the DIN EN 13451-3, and are generally safe to use during swimming, it is still recommended to turn off the pool pump when the pool is in use. This precaution minimizes the risk of electric shock, despite the safety certifications that these pumps may have.
What’s The Best Pool Pump Type?
Here are four recommendations on how to identify the optimal pool pump type for your swimming pool.
- Assess Horsepower Needs: Match the pump’s horsepower to your pool size and filtration system. A more powerful pump suits larger pools and enables faster water circulation, but avoid over-powering to prevent energy wastage.
- Check Filter and Pipe Compatibility: Ensure that your pool’s filter and pipe sizes can handle the pump’s horsepower. A mismatch can lead to inefficiency and potential damage.
- Select the Appropriate Speed Type: Choose between single, dual, or variable-speed pumps based on efficiency needs and state regulations. Single-speed pumps are less efficient and sometimes restricted, dual-speed offer a balance of efficiency and cost, while variable-speed pumps provide the highest efficiency with energy savings, quieter operation, and potential for utility rebates.
- Understand Pool Size Relevance: Select a pump that corresponds appropriately to your pool’s volume. An excessively powerful pump for a small pool leads to unnecessary energy consumption.
Although variable-speed pumps are more expensive initially, they offer long-term savings through reduced energy costs and improved pool maintenance efficiency. You should also be aware of the importance of priming a pool pump before the season kicks off.
We recommend checking out our blog and the search function for more guides about pool maintenance. For any clarifications about pool maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us on social media. We’re happy to help.
