Running your swimming pool pump is essential for keeping your pool clean and safe for swimming. However, running the pool pump too often or at the wrong time can save electricity and money. Follow these tips to find the ideal times to run your pool pump for maximum efficiency.
How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump?
The main purpose of running your pool pump is to circulate water through the filter system to trap dirt, debris, and algae. How often and for how long you need to run your pump depends on multiple factors, like pool size, type of filter, local climate, and season.
Small Pools (under 15,000 gallons): Run the pump for 8-10 hours daily. This helps sufficiently circulate and filter the water.
Medium Pools (15,000 – 30,000 gallons): Run the pump for 10-12 hours daily—the larger volume of water benefits from a little extra filtration time.
Large Pools (over 30,000 gallons): Run the pump for 12-16 hours daily. Big pools need extensive circulation and filtration to stay clean.
Pools with Water Features: Add 2-4 hours of run time if you have waterfalls, fountains, or slides. The extra water movement means more filtration requirements.
Pools During Heavy Use: Add 2-4 hours during the seasons or days when the pool gets more frequent use. The extra swimmers and activity will require more filtration.
Benefits of Running Your Pool Pump During the Day
Improved Circulation and Filtration
Operating your pool pump during the day has several advantages. It ensures that the pump and filter are active when the pool is most utilised, providing optimal circulation and filtration. This results in cleaner and clearer water for swimmers to enjoy. Additionally, the movement created by people in the pool enhances the overall water circulation compared to at night when the pool remains idle.
Take Advantage of Sanitizer Effectiveness
Many pool sanitising chemicals, like chlorine, work best in sunlight. Running the pool pump and filter during the day circulates these sanitizers around the pool when the sun rises. This boosts their germ-killing power by running the system at night. The sun’s UV rays also provide extra sanitising benefits with the sanitizer.
Prevent Stagnation and Algae Growth
Stagnant pool water becomes a breeding ground for algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. Running the pump and filter system during the day keeps the water circulating and prevents stagnation when the pool is most likely used. If stagnation leads to persistent algae buildup or filtration issues, pool repair services may be necessary to restore proper function. The nighttime operation allows stagnation and potential algae growth during the idle daylight hours.
Benefits of Running Your Pool Pump at Night
Lower Electricity Costs
Running your pool pump at night can help you save on your electricity bills. Energy rates are often lower at night, so you’ll be pumping and filtering your pool water for less money. This can result in significant savings, especially during the summer when you use your pool more frequently.
Less Evaporation
When temperatures are high during the day, much water can evaporate from your pool. Running your pump at night reduces evaporation, helping you maintain desired water levels. Less evaporation also means you may need to add less water.
Lower Use of Chemicals
With less evaporation at night, you’ll also experience less loss of chemicals like chlorine. That means you may be able to use fewer chemicals to maintain safe chemical levels in your pool. Lower chemical use is better for your pool, the environment, and wallet.
The Verdict
The ideal run times for your pool pump depend on your pool size, climate, usage, and other factors. The main goal is to run the pump frequently enough to keep the water clean and clear. With smart timing and purchasing a quality pump from pool supplies stores, you can enjoy crystal-clear pool water all season without inflating your electricity bill.