Is it OK to let pool pump run continuously?

Author: Shirley Corkery DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, April 3, 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 my 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.

Can I run my pool pump continuously?

As long as it runs for at least 8 hours in every 24-hour period, you're good to go. Overall, the lessons learned today is you should run your pool pump an average 8 hours a day to properly circulate and clean your water. The pump should push your entire pool in gallons in this 8 hour period of time.

How long can 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.

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.

How Long Should You Run Your POOL PUMP? | Swim University

Is it better to run pool pump at night?

Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up. Your pool is more vulnerable during the day, plants don't grow at night the way they do during the day–that's true of ALL plants including Algae.

What is the best time to run a pool pump?

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 long can a pool pump run without water?

A good guideline is 8-10 hours a day. On the cooler days and early and late season, you can cut the run time down to 4-6 hours because there is usually less swimmers and cooler water requires less chemicals.

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 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.

How many hours should a pool pump run in the summer?

The average pool pump runs 12 hours summer, and 6 hours winter; However, there are multiple variables that affect how much filtering your pool water needs. Filtering systems can fluctuate anywhere between 24 hrs to 6 hrs a day to keep the water clean in the swimming pool.

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 often should I shock my pool?

How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.

How long should you run your Intex pool pump?

The Importance of Proper Filtration

Run your filter pump for at least 12 hours a day, every day. This will make sure all the water in your pool circulates at least once.

How often should I run my Bestway pool pump?

Should I run my pump every day? It's optimal to run your pool pump at least once every day. It helps you get better filtration for your pool water and will keep the water clean.

What time should I set my pool filter for?

Run the circulation system one (1) hour for every 10°F of air temperature if a single-speed filter pump is installed. Example: If it is 100°F, the pump should run 10 hours a day minimum. Of course, if the pool is full of algae or a major weather event has occurred, the pump may need to run 24-hours a day.

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.

Can I leave pool pump outside?

Keep it on a low shelf so it won't fall or roll. If you keep your motor outdoors all winter, you could build a 'lean-to' with lumber or plastic for snow, rain and tree branches, but keep good air flow around the motor, and don't wrap it in plastic, which traps moisture inside the motor.

Should I turn my pool pump off in winter?

Even if you have your pool covered, some debris may still get in it during the winter. For this reason, you should consider running your pump on occasion whenever the outdoor temperature is between 35 and 65 degrees. Around four to six hours should be sufficient to remove debris and help promote good circulation.

How much electricity does a pool pump use?

A standard pool pump is typically 1½ to 2 hp and operates using a single-speed induction motor generating excessive filtration flow rates. This volume of water is achieved by a 3,450 rpm rate that requires between 1,500 and 2,500 watts of electricity depending on the service factor of the motor.

Should pool pump run during heavy rain?

The extra filtering will help clean out the impurities rain has introduced into your pool's water. Pool pumps are made to withstand rain and it is beneficial to run your pump during or after rain.

Should you cover pool at night?

Covering a heated swimming pool at night will reduce heat loss. That means warmer water, which is what anyone who has ever gone swimming in a chilly pool can tell you is very important.

Should you keep pool filter running?

Even if you're not using your pool in the winter, you should still be running the pumps every day to keep your pool clean and prevent algae build-up that can be difficult to remove. Pool pumps have two major functions: filtering dirt and debris and producing chlorine.

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