How long should you run a pool pump?

Swimming pool pumps should be run an average 8 hours a day to properly circulate and clean your water. The pump should push your entire pool in gallons in this 8 hour period of time. However, often times swimming pool pump horse power is overrated for their size swimming pool.

Also asked, is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?

Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up. Your pool is more vulnerable during the day, plants don't grow at night the way they do during the day–that's true of ALL plants including Algae.

Furthermore, is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day? there should be no reason you HAVE to run 24 hours. if you have a variable speed pump on low, then running 24 hours is no big deal because its not costing much. running a single speed pump all day is gonna get expensive.

Thereof, should pool pump run continuously?

Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. If your pool is in constant use, you may need to run the pump for up to eight hours per day, frequently checking the water clarity and chemical balance.

Does pool pump use a lot of electricity?

Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer in the average pool-containing home. According to the study, at the national average of 11.8 cents per KWh, a pool pump alone can add as much as $300 a year to an electric bill.

37 Related Question Answers Found

How often should you run a pool filter pump?

How long should I run my pool pump each day? Most pool filtration systems are sized to circulate and filter the water twice in 8 hours. We recommend that you run your pool pump 6-8 hours in the winter and 10-12 hours in the summer.

Should I run pool pump on high or low?

If you're wondering when to run the pump on high vs. low speed, most folks run two-speed pumps on low speed 24/7 and turn the pump to high when vacuuming the pool, running a heater (becuase it needs enough flow), or when leaves are falling and they want to blow them towards the skimmer(s).

Can I run my pool pump every other day?

Ideally you want to run the pump two or three times a day, assuming that is practical in your situation (your timer supports that, fits with time of day electrical rates, etc). Once a day is about the least frequent that works reasonably well.

How much does it cost to run a pool pump?

$1.36 per day x 365 days = $496 per year to Operate a 1-½ HP Variable Speed Pump. Cost to Operate 1-½ HP Single Speed Pool Pump $1,062 / yr Vs. Cost of Variable Speed Pump $496 / year.

Can you shock a pool without the pump running?

If the water isn't getting any worse, I'd wait a few days and shock when the pump is back online. If you shock without circulation, you'd have to manually stir up the water to ensure that the chlorine didn't settle in one place which isn't good for a vinyl pool.

Can a pool pump run 24 7?

A pump does not need to run 24/7 to keep your pool water pristine. If properly sized, a pump should spin through your water in a fraction of the time, allowing it to be dormant for the rest of the day. Thereby, relieving your wallet of the heavy burden of high electric bills.

Can you swim in pool with filter running?

Guest. Many of the INTEX pump/filters are NOT UL rated and you should not swim with them plugged in. They do have one or two that are UL rated and can be left on while swimming. Just about all other pool equipment brands can be used while you are in the pool when properly installed.

How much does a pool add to your electric bill?

A typical backyard swimming pool using a 1100 watt pool pump can add up to 17% to an electricity bill. This cost can be offset by installing solar panels, which can also add value to the house.

How do you know if your pool pump is bad?

3 signs your pool pump is going bad

Low readings on the filter pressure gauge. If your gauge is reading low, it could be due to a clogged skimmer basket or pump strainer.
Constant leaking. We talked about the ways to check for leaks and how to fix them.
Constantly losing prime.

Should I turn my pool filter off at night?

A pro for night time would be that it's off-peak utility hours. It's cheaper to run the pool pump at night. Or if you are doing a chemical treatment, and you want your chlorine level up really high, add it at night to prevent that natural burnoff.

What happens if you put too much algaecide in a pool?

The presence of too much algaecide can lead to a foamy pool water. Air pockets within the filter system can cause bubbles on the pool surface as well. The bubbles and foam resulting from too much algaecide will be much smaller in size.

Can a pool pump be too big?

Too large of a pump can cause poor filter performance and even damage it, if the filter is not also oversized accordingly. Another possible consequence is pump cavitation in which bubbles form in the water inside the pump and then burst with great force, resulting in damage to the impeller and other internal parts.

How often should a pool be cleaned?

Every two months, you should close your pool for 2-3 days and perform these tasks: Use filter cleaner and degreaser to clean your filters and remove built up grease and oil. Dose your pool with a flock or metal remover. Allow this to work for 2-3 days, then vacuum the pool.

Why are my pool jets weak?

The most common reason for weak jets is an air leak. An air leak would come from the suction side of the system. This would be the area between the skimmer and the pump. The pump strainer, in most cases, should be full of water and have no visible air.

How far should a pool pump be from the pool?

Stay close to the pool.

Shorter pipe runs = less work for the pump which extends the life of the pump and uses less electricity. Our projects typically average a distance of 20–40 feet from the pool to the equipment, but as stated earlier, much longer runs are sometimes required.

Can I leave pool pump outside?

Keeping pumps away from accumulating moisture (assuming you live in a place that gets considerable rain/snowfall) during the winter is a good way to protect the equipment. Heavy snow is a danger to pool equipment that remains outdoors.

What is the capacity of my pool?

Constant Depth Pools: Square or Rectangular

Length times width gives the surface area of the pool. Multiplying that by the depth gives the volume in cubic feet. Since there are 7.5 gallons in each cubic foot, multiply the cubic feet of the pool by 7.5 to arrive at the volume of the pool, expressed in gallons.