How long should I run my pool filter after shocking?

Author: Raquel Bartell  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8 hours after you shock your swimming pool. This provides adequate time for the filter to clean the water and for the pump to circulate the chemicals. If you're treating algae, plan to run the filter for ideally 24 hours. . . . . .

Should you run a pump when shocking a pool?

You should run the pump to circulate the shocking chemical around in the water. Most times the pump is connected to the filter, so, yes, run the filter.

How long does it take for shock to clear a pool?

Allow the shock to circulate

If you've got any pool toys or brushes that you want to disinfect, now's the time to drop them in the pool. Most shocks will take about 8–12 hours to work. For those using non-chlorine shock, 15 minutes should be enough to circulate the product and sanitise your pool.

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

Running the pump during the hottest parts of the day helps to combat the effects of the sun, especially with deterring algae growth and removing bacteria and debris during peak swim times. Splitting up time into shorter intervals and running during the morning as well as in the evening may help to maximize efficiency.

How long does it take for chlorine levels to drop after shocking a pool?

Heavy shocking with granular chlorine will generally require 24–48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to safe swimming levels (below 5 ppm). Lithium and non-chlorine shock labels typically allow immediate swimming or a brief 15-minute waiting period, but check the package label to be sure.

How Long Should You Run Your POOL PUMP?

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

Is it possible to shock your pool too much? Yes—excessive shocking of your pool will keep it at an elevated chlorine level. This will cause irritation of the skin and eyes as well as excessive wear and tear on your pool filter system, including excessive corrosion of all metal parts.

How to lower chlorine in a pool quickly?

  1. Stop adding chlorine. ...
  2. Pick the right sanitizing system. ...
  3. Remove the pool cover and expose water to sunlight. ...
  4. Use chemical products to reduce chlorine levels. ...
  5. Drain water and refill the pool.

Should you run the pool pump while swimming?

Do You Run a Pool Pump While Swimming? While you can run your pump while taking a dip, it is not necessary so long as it has been running recently enough to ensure the water is clean and debris-free.

Do pool pumps use a lot of electricity?

A standard pool pump uses between 1500 and 2500 Watts of energy. And it typically runs a minimum of 8 hours a day to circulate and clean water. Assuming a 2000 Watt (approximately 2.5 horsepower) motor running 8 hours a day you will use 480 kWh a month.

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

While running your pool pump 24/7 might seem excessive or a waste, the benefits of constant water circulation and filtration can lead to superior water quality and an overall healthier pool environment. If you decide to go this route, ensure you have energy-efficient equipment to maximize benefits and minimize costs.

Do you run a filter after shocking the pool?

Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8 hours after you shock your swimming pool. This provides adequate time for the filter to clean the water and for the pump to circulate the chemicals.

How to get crystal clear water in a pool?

Step-by-Step Guide to Crystal Clear Pool Water
  1. Step 1: Balance the Water – pH Regulation1. The pH level of your pool water is crucial for both the comfort of swimmers and the effectiveness of the chemicals used. ...
  2. Step 2: Disinfect the Water. ...
  3. Step 3: Algae and Bacteria Prevention. ...
  4. Step 4: Flocculation. ...
  5. Step 5: Filtration.

Is shock the same as chlorine?

1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.

What does baking soda do for a pool?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.

How long to run pool pump after shock reddit?

Yes, the pump should actually be running 24/7 at med-high speed to make sure everything is well-mixed and to filter the water back to blue.

How much does the electric bill go up with a pool?

US homes with swimming pools use 49% more electricity than homes without. The increase in energy usage amounts to about $500 per home per year. Given the cost you'll obviously want to work with those variables to minimize power consumption, and overall cost, ​as much as possible.

Does a pool filter increase the electric bill?

Pools and spas are nice amenities, but they can significantly contribute to your energy bill. Some studies show nearly a 50-percent increase in energy consumption. Your pool pump, which keeps water circulating through a filtering system, could be the most energy-intensive part of your pool.

Is it better to leave the pool pump on all the time?

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.

Should I run my pump when I shock my pool?

Turn on the Pool Pump (& Keep It Running)

Your pump is an important part of this process, as it helps disperse the pool shock across your water. Once the pump is on, leave it running for several hours in order to allow the product to reach the entire pool.

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

The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.

How much does it cost to run a pool pump 24 hours a day?

Our 1 hp (standard) example UST1102 motor above will cost between $1-$5 per day, depending on what your power company charges per kWh, and on how many hours per day the pump is running, which changes within the season. This will result in a monthly cost of $30-$150.

Does running jets lower chlorine?

If you need to quickly lower chlorine levels in your hot tub, use a chlorine neutralizer, dilute the water with fresh water, or leave the cover off and run the jets to let the chlorine dissipate. These methods can help reduce chlorine levels to the recommended range of 1-3 ppm.

How much baking soda does it take to lower chlorine in a pool?

Will baking soda lower the chlorine level in the pool? No, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used to raise alkalinity, not lower chlorine.

Will chlorine level go down by itself?

Chlorine will burn itself off naturally. Depending on how hot it is and how high your chlorine levels are will determine the amount of time needed. It could be quick or it could take a few days.

Previous article
Can you smell 410A?
Next article
How do you tell how powerful a fan is?