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

Author: Miss Roxane Von Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

It's often recommended to run your pool pump during the evening or at night as these are outside of peak times.

What is the best time of day to run a pool pump?

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.

Is it cheaper to run your pool pump at night?

If you're on a time of use plan then you should run your pump at night between the hours of 10pm-6a when energy is the cheapest.

Is it better to shock your pool during the day or at night?

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO SHOCK? The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening. This is because the sun's rays can affect the effectiveness of the chlorine by dissolving it too quickly, before it has a chance to rid the pool of contaminants and clean the water.

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.

Should I run my pool pump during the day or at night?

How much will a pool raise my electric bill?

The average pool pump costs 13 to 40 cents an hour to run, depending on the size of your pool and the age of your pump. This means that if you're running your pump for the recommended 8 hours a day you could be spending $32 to $100 each month.

How can I lower my pool pump energy bill?

Get a Variable Speed Pool Pump & Motor

Replacing a Single Speed Pool Pump with a Variable Speed Pool Pump can save up to 1,100 kWh annually. Program it to run on low speed most of the time to increase the filter efficiency, reduce pump noise, and lower the amount of electricity used.

Do I really need to shock my pool every week?

Hot & Rainy Months: Weekly

During the hotter months of the year, or when the forecast shows a chance of rain, shock your pool weekly. These conditions can significantly increase the chance of algae growth, and a weekly dose of shock will help keep the green away.

What is the ideal pH level for a pool?

The acceptable range for pool water pH is 7.2-7.8, and the ideal pool pH is between 7.4 and 7.6. Water below a pH of 7.2 is too acidic, stinging your eyes, damaging pool liners and corroding equipment. Water above 7.8 is too alkaline and can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, and scale buildup.

Is it better to heat a pool at night or during the day?

The best time to warm your swimming pool is before you want to use it, and most people enjoy off-season swimming during the daytime. Even in a heated warm pool, once the sun goes down, the air temperature will drop to such a low degree that it's too cold to continue swimming.

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

In fact, due to the high energy costs, even with an energy efficient in-ground single speed swimming pool pump, it would still cost a fortune to run it 24-hours a day. Some commercial properties require 24-hour a day pump circulation, but as a homeowner, this is not advisable.

Should the pool pump be on all the time?

Every pool should cycle through all of its water at least once a day, so most pool owners will want to run their pumps for at least 4-8 hours daily. But you don't have to run those 4-8 hours all at once so you can split the pump time up at different parts of the day to ease your energy budget.

How can I save money on my pool pump?

Variable speed pool pumps are more energy efficient than single speed pumps and they cost less to run. In just a year or two, your new pool pump will pay for itself in electric bill savings. Plus, they're better for the environment and will reduce your carbon footprint.

How long is too long to run pool pump?

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 pool pump be on or off during rain?

The straightforward answer is that it's typically best to keep your pool pump running during rain. The pump's action helps to prevent debris from settling and mixes rainwater with the pool's existing water, which can dilute contaminants and maintain proper chemical balance.

Can I leave my pool pump off for a week?

Yes, it's possible to turn off your pool pump during vacation, but not without preparation. Before you do, make sure your water is balanced, shock the pool, and clean the filter. Consider using a timer to run the pump for a short duration each day to maintain water circulation and prevent water quality issues.

What pH is too low to swim?

A pH level of 7 means that water is neutral; above 7 means the water is alkaline, while below 7 indicates acidity. Aim for a pH level of between 7 and 7.6. If the water pH is higher than 8, anyone who swims in the pool is at risk of skin rashes, while a pH of lower than 7 can sting swimmers' eyes.

When should a pool filter be backwashed?

As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.

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.

What happens if I put too much shock in my pool?

When you're measuring the amount of shock to put in your pool, it's okay to round up. In fact – it's recommended. You'd have to put an excessive amount of shock in your pool to truly cause dangerous swimming conditions. Swimming in a pool with an extremely high chlorine level may cause skin, hair and eye irritation.

How often should I add chlorine to my pool?

Typically, you will need to add chlorine tabs or granules to your pool on a constant basis. About every two weeks, you will need to shock your pool with a higher dose of chlorine. This raises the pH levels quickly and is especially important in sunny weather when the chlorine can break down.

How often should you put algaecide in your pool?

Water Balance: Be sure to add algaecide and shock weekly.

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

Expect to pay about $50 in monthly energy costs for your pool. Some homeowners use a heat pump, which can drive the cost up to $300 per month. Budgeting for a pool is complex, but remember to consider how much a pool costs per month in electricity. Running a pool adds about $50 per month to your electricity bill.

What damages pool pump?

Keep the Pump Area Clear

Falling leaves, branches, and other debris can restrict airflow into the pool pump, which can clog the pump and/or cause it to overheat. Plant materials can also trap moisture inside the pool pump, which can lead to corrosion.

Will a pool pump make your electric bill go up?

A single-speed pump uses as much as 1,800 to 2,500 watts while running. The average single-speed pump will cost from $40 to $150 per month in electricity to operate. In contrast, a variable-speed pool pump offers much more flexibility and efficiency to the pool owner.

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