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.
The Recirculate setting bypasses the pool's filter. So really, only use this setting to circulate and thoroughly mix the pool shock (about 6 hours).
Reviewing Recirculation
This setting is used infrequently, but is helpful when you want to mix newly added pool chemicals or when you need to keep the pool water moving while you perform filter repairs.
It's best to run your pool pump during the day
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!
The turnover rate of a swimming pool is the amount of time (usually hours) it takes for the pumping and filtration systems to cycle all of the water in the pool once. Turnover rate for pools: Swimming pools: 8 hours or less (preferred 6 hours or less) Wading pools: 2 hours or less (preferred 1 hour or less)
You should run your pump/filter as long as it takes to keep the pool clean. Some pools have great circulation combined with low use, therefore run times can be quite short. Other pools have lousy circ systems and huge bather loads and even 24/7 filtration has trouble keeping up.
To ensure proper circulation, you need to switch on the pump for at least 8 hours a day. This ensures the pool circulation is effective. Make sure you size the pump, i.e: get a pump according to your pool volume. If your pool capacity is 10,000 gallons, then you need to divide 10,000 by 480 (8 hours x 60 minutes).
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.
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.
If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.
After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes, or until water runs clear. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. Turn your pump back on and note the lower pressure.
It's best to shock your pool once the sun goes down and when the pool filter is running. If you put the shock in while it's sunny out, it will not work as well. Never shock your pool when people are swimming in it.
Recirculate - This setting is used to troubleshoot problems with the filter sand and is especially useful if you are battling an algae bloom. The water will circulate in the pool normally, but will bypass the filter sand.
The Recirculate setting allows water to move through the filter without going through the filter media. Note: You can also use the Waste setting for this if you'd rather completely remove the dirty water rather than recirculate it back into the pool.
In the industry it is recognized to have the pool run for 3 hours at a bare minimum up to 24 hours. 24 hours really is overkill but it'll ensure the water is completely mixed with the chemicals.
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.
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.
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.
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 many skimmers do I need? The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) advises that there should be a minimum of one skimmer per 400 sq. ft. of pool surface area.
To observe a pool? s circulation, try the ping-pong ball test. This involves tossing at least a dozen ping-pong balls into the pool and watching where they travel. The balls should travel in a clockwise pattern and eventually end up in the skimmer basket.
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. One way to determine if you have an air leak is by looking for air bubbles coming out of the return jets.
8. Vacuuming pool with filter valve in "backwash" position. When a pool is vacuumed with the sand filter valve in the "filter" position, the dirt and debris that passes through the pump ends up inside the filter on top of the bed of sand which is where you want it.
Before you start pouring shock in the pool, the first step is to brush the sides and floor of your pool to loosen all the algae. Doing this breaks the skin and allows the pool shock to more easily kill the algae. Once you've done this, it is important to make sure you have the proper pH level in your water.