Do I leave my pool filter running?

Author: Bryce Dickinson  |  Last update: Saturday, April 23, 2022

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. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.

Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?

The size of your pool, the efficiency of your pump and filter, and how dirty your pool is are just some of the factors you need to consider. Nevertheless, most pool cleaning professionals would advise against running a pool pump for more than 8 hours a day.

Should I run my pool filter during the day?

It's best to run your pool pump during the day

Algae, just like any other plant, needs sunlight to grow. Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!

How often should I run the filter on my pool?

To keep your pool clean, all the water must run through your pump's filter system at least once a day. This is called turnover rate. It's simple: in order to run your pump effectively for eight hours, your pump should be able to process all of your pool water during that time.

How often should a pool pump run?

Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.

How Often You Should Run Your Pool Filter

Do you run pool pump while swimming?

Chemicals that you add to your pool while the water is circulating don't need to be recirculated; they will stay mixed even if you don't pump the water continually. 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.

Do pool pumps use a lot of electricity?

One of the most significant consumers of energy in homes with swimming pools are pool pumps, which keep pools clean by circulating water through filters. Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year.

Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?

It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.

How many hours should I run my pool pump?

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.

How often should I put chlorine in my pool?

The Short, Short Version. Test Chlorine levels at least twice per week. Also make sure to test after heavy use or rainfall, as Chlorine levels have likely been depleted. Pool chlorine is responsible for sanitizing your pool and hot tub water to make it safe to swim.

How long do I run pool pump in summer?

On average, you should run your pool pump around 6-8 hours per day during winter and 10-12 hours per day during summer. Note that you need to run your pool pump longer during summer because algae grow more in warm temperatures.

Is it OK to leave pool pump off?

Yes you can turn your pool pump off for a week. You can turn it off for a month, but there are consequences. The pool will get dirty—no pump, no filtering. The chemicals will not circulate and the water could start turning a nice shade of green as algae forms.

When should I run my pool filter in the summer?

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 turn off pool pump when raining?

To prevent potentially dangerous electrical issues, it's imperative that you turn off the power to your pool equipment — such as pumps, motors, filters, heaters, chlorinators, and lighting fixtures. Even if you turn off the power to your pool equipment, it can still be damaged by wind, rain, and debris.

Should you run pool filter while raining?

Answer: It should not matter much. It could help to filter debris and contaminants the rain washes into the pool. However, lightning can be a concern with the filter running.

Can I run my pool pump every other day?

Run the pump for 8 hours, every 24 hours. You can also pause in between; there is no need to run it continuously. Ideally, after you shock the pool, be sure to run the pump at night and during non-peak hours, to save on your energy bills.

Should I run my pool pump at night in winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend the pump run 8-10 hours per day during the hottest summer months and at least 6 hours per day during the winter months.

Can you leave pool vacuum in pool overnight?

Cleaners aren't meant to stay in the pool 24/7. This is true for all cleaners. Pressure side cleaners run on a schedule every day so why take it out? Leaving the cleaner in the pool 24/7 increases its exposure to corrosive chemicals in the water, such as chlorine or shock.

How many hours should you run your pool pump in the winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.

How long can pool water sit without chemicals?

I think the answer to your question is about 3-6 days. The problem is that the chlorine that you need to keep the bacteria in check is used up more quickly as the temperature rises, the activity increases, and as sweat and other body stuff is put into the pool.

How long can pool go without filter?

Your pool can keep running for a few days with no problems while without a pump. However, know that a standard pool needs a pool running for at least once in 24 hours, or you might notice an algae bloom. So, it's best to have your pump ready as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to run a pool per month?

How much does a pool cost to run? The average swimming pool will cost between $660 and $1,000 to run annually – consuming between 2,000 and 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. That's about $23 each week!

How much does it cost to run a salt water pool?

Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere around $300 to $800 a year on the chemicals you'll need to maintain a chlorine pool. For a saltwater pool, you can expect the cost of chemicals and salt to run closer to $70 to $100 a year. However, there are other expenses to consider.

Previous article
Where does the water go when you backwash a pool?
Next article
Do I need a pump for my above ground pool?