I certainly wondered when I first had my pool, should I run my pool pump all the time and, if not, how long should a pool pump run? I knew it was important that the water in the pool was kept clean but was unsure whether a pool pump should run 24/7 or not.
If you were to run your pool pump continuously it would largely be a waste of electricity (and give a big electricity bill) and it would also wear out your pool pump far earlier than necessary.
Having said that, if money isn’t an issue for you, then by all means run the pool pump for twenty-four hours a day. Your pool will definitely stay cleaner if the water is constantly being filtered, but in reality, it won’t make that much difference.
How long should I run my pool pump?
It is an established rule of thumb that the minimum time a pool pump should be run is sufficient time for all of the water in the pool to be filtered once. Often this works out to be around 8 hours per day.
Pool constructors often supply a pool pump with a flow rate to pump the full volume of the pool in 8 hours as a rule of thumb.
To work out how long should pool pump run for your pool you need to know two things:
- The volume of water your pool pump can pump per hour (gallons per hour or liters per hour)
- What is the volume of the water in your pool
Flow rate of the pump
To find out the flow rate of your pump you need to look at the specification label on the pump itself, which most pool pumps will have. You should find a GPM (gallons per minute) figure. If you cannot find it then try looking for the specifications on the pool pump manufacturer’s website.
Volume of the pool
To work out your pool’s volume can be more complicated, particularly if you have an oval or odd-shaped pool.
For an oblong pool with a constant depth, it is easy. Just multiply the width by the length and then by the depth (in feet) to give the cubic feet of water. You then multiply this figure by 7.5 to give the volume in gallons.
Pools with varying depths, round pools, oval pools, kidney pools and other shapes make it more complicated. Rather than turn this into a mathematics post, I suggest you look on your cell phone for an app that will help you calculate the volume of a pool. There are plenty to choose from.
Simple example
If the pool was 30ft x 15ft and 5 ft deep the pool volume in cubic feet would be 2250.
To work out how many gallons that is, there are 7.5 gallons in a cubic foot of water so this is then multiplied by 7.5 to give a pool volume of 16875 gallons.
If the pump’s flow rate (turnover rate) was 50 GPM that would be 3000 gallons per hour.
So 16875 gallons divided by 3000 gallons per hour gives a figure of 5.625 hours (5 hours 37 minutes) to pump the total pool volume.
In this case I would probably set the timer so the pool pump runs for 6 hours.
If you don’t want to do the math then run your pump for 8 hours a day and you should have no problems!
Is it ok to run pool pump 24 hours a day?
There is nothing wrong with letting your pool pump run 24 hours a day, 7 day a week. In many ways, this is the best thing to do although there is no need as you have already seen in this article.
If you do then just be aware that your electricity costs will be higher and your pool pump’s lifespan will be reduced.
When do you leave pool pump running all the time?
I did wonder when I first had a pool whether there are any situations where should I leave my pool pump running all the time. Well, there are a number of situations where you may want to do this. These include:
- If you have given the pool a big dose of chemicals, perhaps when you have shocked it, then you may want to leave the pump running for 24 hours or so to ensure the chemicals are spread around the pool.
- If the pool is cloudy then running the pump until it clears would be worthwhile.
- If the pool will get lots of use, if you have friends staying perhaps, particularly if they include children who are in and out of the pool all day.
- If in winter you haven’t winterized your pool and there is a very cold spell forecast then you should leave the pump running to stop the water in the pipework from freezing.
Pool Maintenance Course
When I first bought my house with a swimming pool, I knew nothing about cleaning and maintaining it. I was recommended Swim University’s Pool Care Handbook and video course so I bought it and have never regretted it.
It was probably the best money I spent that year as I have saved thousands by doing it myself.
Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?
In many places, the cost of electricity is supplied at a cheaper rate at night than during the day. So running the pump at night can make the costs of running the pool less. But there is more to this than pure economics so consider these factors:
- A pool is generally most vulnerable to attacks by algae during the day as it needs light to grow. Only running a pool at night increases the risk of algae. So ideally you want the chlorine circulating at a time when the algae are most active – so during the day.
- Your pool will get most of its use during the day so really you need the pump running to keep the pool clean while it is being used and also for the chlorine to do its job properly.
- If you have solar heating that requires water to flow through it to absorb the heat of the sun then obviously running the pump only at night will not heat the pool up at all.
- If your pump is at all noisy and you have close neighbors then they not be too happy hearing the pump whirring all night. It would certainly annoy me as I am a light sleeper. In fact, my neighbor’s pool is on the other side of the fence from my bedroom and, although I can’t hear his pump, I get woken up at 7am each morning when his waterfall starts. I am not an early riser so that doesn’t please me (but unfortunately he is an unhelpful idiot so if I spoke to him about it then he would just set the timer to come on at 5am!)
Also read: Best time to run pool pump
Do you have to run the pump for 8 hours in one go?
You do not have to run the pool pump for 8 consecutive hours.
You could run it for, say, 4 hours in the early morning and another 4 in the late afternoon.
To save money, you could set the timer for the pump to run for 4 hours until the higher peak electricity charges start, then be off during the peak hours and restart for another 4 hours when the non peak hours start again.
Will a variable speed pool pump save me money?
Having a variable speed pool pump will certainly save you money in the long run as when it is running at a slower speed it will consume less electricity. In many instances, savings are in excess of 50% so even with the increased cost of buying the pump initially it is easy to see that this cost will soon be recovered.
If your existing standard pool pump is quite old then it is likely to be pretty inefficient too. So even if you were to run variable speed pool pumps on full for the same amount of time as the old one you will save money as new variable speed pumps are more efficient. But using the new pump at a lower speed at certain times will save even more.
The generally accepted best variable speed pump is the Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump which can save up to 90% over standard pumps. It is quite a large investment but will pay for itself over time.
How long should the pool pump run in winter?
The length of time you should run a pool pump in winter rather depends on the climate where you live. It is different if you live in a cold climate or a warmer one.
If you live somewhere that can reach low temperatures and the water could freeze, then during those cold periods you really need to either winterize the pool or when the temperature may drop below freezing, run the pump to ensure the water in the pool and the pipes does not freeze.
If you have a variable speed pump then some of these have a winter setting which turns the pump on when the temperature falls to a particular level.
Where I live the minimum winter temperature at night is around 52 degrees Fahrenheit / 11 degrees Centigrade (yes I know, poor me) so I just leave the pump on an 8-hour timer all the time.
Of course, the above assumes that you do not close your pool for the winter by lowering the water level and draining the pipework, pump, filter etc. If you do then the pump should not be run since there will be no water in the system.
If I use a pool cover will that affect the time the pump should run?
Yes, it will to some extent. As discussed above, light is an important factor in the growth of algae. So if you have a pool cover on, which is generally a dark blue, then less light shines on the water so algae will be less likely to grow. Therefore, in theory, you could run the pool pump for less time.
In practice, I rarely reduce the time the pump is on when I have my pool cover on (which is mainly in the spring and autumn to help keep the warmth in).
Can you swim while the pool filter is running?
Yes, you can, and I would even say it is better to run the pool pump while you are swimming in fact.
If the pump isn’t running then the skimmers will not be operating. You are therefore more likely to have debris (leaves, insects etc) floating on the surface of the pool which you don’t really want when swimming.
Also, people swimming bring contaminants into the pool with them such as:
- dirt, sand and dust on their feet
- deodorant on their bodies
- suntan lotion perhaps
- hair
So having the pool pump running means the filter will be able to deal with these as quickly as possible.
I have a full article on this – Is it safe to swim when the pool pump is running?
Summary
There is no need to run a pool pump continuously for 24 hours a day, with a few exceptions. It is normally recommended that you run your pool pump long enough to pump the entire volume of water in a pool each day. In practice, this generally means around 8 hours each day.
Related article
If you get air locks when you start your pump you can read how to get rid of the air in this post – How to Bleed Air From a Pool Pump or Filter
FAQ
How long do pool pumps last?
This is a “how long is a piece of string?” type question. It depends on the type and quality of the pump, the amount it is used and how well the system is maintained. But a rough rule of thumb is that a pump can last for anything from 7 years to upwards of 12 years. I recently replaced my pump and as far as I can establish it was at least 12 years old.
Can you run a pool pump with a cover on?
It is absolutely safe and, in fact, completely normal to run a pool pump while a solar cover is still on. The water will circulate as normal and be filtered while still retaining heat.
Does a pool pump use a lot of electricity?
How much electricity your pool pump uses depends on how energy efficient the pump is, how much water your pump can handle per hour and how large your pool is.
Can I run my pool pump every other day?
You may be able to run the pool pump every other day during the winter if you do not actually close your pool but during the summer it would not be a good idea. The pool water needs to be filtered daily to be kept in good clean condition.
John Parker( Site Owner )
I have had hot tubs for over 20 years and a pool for the last 9 years. I had to learn how to clean, maintain and fix them the hard way. Since then I have helped many friends and neighbors with their pools and now I want to share everything I have learned with you. About Me
FAQs
What is the minimum time a pool pump should run? ›
Run the circulation system one (1) hour for every 10°F of air temperature. 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 for 24 hours until the water clears.
How long do I need to run my pool pump each day? ›Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day.
Does running a pool pump at night save money? ›Many people run it at night, however it is highly ineffective and ends up costing more in both time and money. The daylight hours are when the sun is hitting your pool and your pool gets used the most, that is when you need chlorine filtrating through your system.
How much does it cost to run a pool pump 24 hours a day? ›Example 115 volts X 15 amps = 1725 WATTS. MULTIPLY the hours per day that you run your pool pump by the kW. This total will be the kWh -kilowatt hour per day Example 24 hours a day X 1.725 kW = 41.40 kWh per day.
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? ›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.
What happens if you don't run your pool pump long enough? ›When it's running, it keeps the water moving; otherwise the water would become stagnant and things like algae and bacteria could grow. The pump also clears debris from the water and keeps those pool chemicals mixed by pushing water through the filtration system.
How much electricity does a pool pump use per month? ›That's around 24 kWh per day, or around 720 kWh per month, just running only 10 hors per day. During the heat of the summer, many pumps need to run longer to maintain clear water. And remember, pool pumps never get to take a day off.
Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day? ›Some commercial properties require 24-hour a day pump circulation, but as a homeowner, this is not advisable. If you are lucky enough to own an Energy Efficient, Variable Speed swimming pool pump (VSP) then , yes, technically you could run your pump for 24 hours a day.
Should pool pump run while swimming? ›One of the biggest questions when it comes to regular maintenance is the swimming pool pump. It's not necessary to have your swimming pool pump running at all times, as this can be a serious expense on your electric bill.
How can I save money on my pool pump? ›
...
6 Ways to Reduce Pool Energy Costs
- Invest in a variable-speed pool pump. ...
- Cover your pool. ...
- Skim regularly. ...
- Clean strainer baskets and filters regularly. ...
- Reduce the pump's run time. ...
- Avoid running the pump during “on-peak” hours.
The Equipment. There is no need to turn off your circulation system during a rain storm. We need the chemicals to still work and want the dirt and debris to be filtered out just like under normal circumstances. Never try to change settings on the pool pump or at the timer when it is raining.
How long should I run my pool pump for a 10000 gallon pool? ›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 many hours does it take to fill a pool with a garden hose? ›Most people head to the hose, and that is a viable solution if you are a very patient person, have multiple hoses and are not using well water. The average pool can take 12-24 hours to fill and that is only if you have a few hoses chugging away.
Can I run my pool pump 12 hours a day? ›Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.
How long should I run pool pump in summer? ›So how long should the average pool pump run during the summer? To make this process simple, it easier for homeowners to follow this basic guideline: for every 10 degrees of outdoor temperature run your pump for one hour. So if the average temperature is 60 degrees, run your pump for 6 hours.
Is it OK to turn pool pump off while on vacation? ›Keep the pump and filter on while you are away.
Most pumps come have an automatic timer that makes this very easy. Set it before you leave to ensure the pool filter system will run at least 8 to 12 hours per day.
It's generally recommended that all of the water in a pool needs to be filtered at least once every 24 hours. If the pool is being used heavily (like, for example, if you host a pool party), you'll probably want to cycle it through the filter twice that day.
How long does it take chlorine to circulate? ›Generally you will want to wait at least 4 hours, but ideal is waiting for one complete turnover of the water (the time it takes all the water to go through the filter).
How much does it cost to run my pool pump per day? ›$1.36 per day x 365 days = $496 per year to Operate a 1-½ HP Variable Speed Pump. Cost to Operate 1-½ HP Single Speed Pool Pump $1,062 / yr Vs. Cost of Variable Speed Pump $496 / year.
How long should a pump run on a 1000 gallon pool? ›
The rule of thumb for pool maintenance is to run your pump for eight hours per day. That's the short answer, but it isn't always accurate. Other factors might shift this number.
How long should I run my pool pump trouble free pool? ›Pump Run Time
Conventional wisdom is that most pools need 1-2 turnovers per day. However, studies have shown that most pools need far less run time than that and can usually get away with 3-4 hours of run time per day.
Having to spend the money on getting the pool back in shape will probably cost more than leaving it on anyway. I would make sure you fill the pool water as high as you can though since you will be gone for a week. Can I leave my pool pump off for a week? Of course you can!
How often should you shock your 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 much does it cost to run pool pump? ›On average, it can cost from $7 to $30 per month to run a pool pump, depending on the type of pump and how often it runs.
How often should I backwash my pool? ›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.
Do you brush a pool with the pump running? ›Be sure to brush the pool while the pump is operating, and to cover the entire pool from the tile line to the main drain. Sweep slowly and push the brush toward the main drain so that the debris will be pulled into the drain and then into the filter, where it will be removed from the water.
Is it OK to run pool pump in storm? ›Turn the Power Off
To prevent potentially dangerous electrical issues, it's imperative that you turn off the power to your pool equipment, including pump and filter systems, heaters, certain chlorinators, and lighting fixtures.
You should not let your water line fall below your skimmer at any time. Therefore, you will need to put your garden hose in your pool to fill it up as you vacuum, or add fresh water again after vacuuming. Otherwise, leave setting on “filter” and turn pump on to begin vacuuming. You will not lose water this way.
Does rain water increase pool pH? ›Since rain is diluting your pool, you may expect that it will reduce the acidity of your pool water. However, all rain in the US is acidic due to pollution, so rain actually decreases your pool's pH – in other words, the pool water becomes more acidic.
Should I shock my pool after every rain? ›
After a hard rain or stormy weather, it's important to shock your pool with a chlorinated shock, such as Leslie's Power Powder Plus or Leslie's Chlor Brite. Shocking helps oxidize any organic contaminants or materials introduced to the water during the storm.
Why is pool green after rain? ›“Heavy rain dilutes pool chemicals, especially salt and chlorine, which causes the pool to turn green. This means the water is not sanitised or healthy, so it's vital to address this.
What is a good schedule for a variable speed pool pump? ›We want to aim for 1-2 turnovers per day at a minimum. We can then run a couple of hours at a medium-to-high speed in the mid-to-high 2,000 RPM range to take care of any debris that may have been blown into the pool during the day.
How long does it take to drain a 10000 gallon pool with a garden hose? ›You can expect it to take 8 to 14 hours to drain, based on the size of your pool and whether you're using a pump or a hose.
How many inches should a pool lose in a day? ›The average pool water evaporation rate is about a quarter of an inch of water per day or more than two inches in a week, which on a 33′ x 18′ swimming pool (an average pool size) is more than 2500 liters or approximately 600 gallons a week; this may vary depending on your climate and the factors listed above.
Do pools lower property value? ›How much value does a pool add to a home? The experts are a split on how much a pool can contribute to a home's value. One HouseLogic study suggests an increase of 7 percent, at most, under ideal conditions, while HGTV reports that the average in-ground pool can up your property's value by 5 to 8 percent.
Does a pool increase house value? ›When does a pool add value to your home? If you ask any realtor about the benefit of adding an inground pool to your backyard, most of them will tell you that this addition will likely increase your home's value when you go to sell it.
Can I swim in my pool as soon as I fill it up? ›Wait about 20 minutes after adding balancing chemicals to your newly filled pool, and you should be good to swim. Calcium chloride – If you have hard water issues, it's advised to wait about 2-4 hours before swimming after adding calcium chloride to soften your pool's water—or until one filter cycle has been completed.
How much does it cost to fill a 3000 gallon pool? ›...
Basic per-Gallon Formula.
| Pool Size by Gallon | Cost |
|---|---|
| 20,000-gallon pool | $180 |
| 25,000-gallon pool | $225 |
| 30,000-gallon pool | $270 |
Although it may take several hours to fill your pool completely, make sure that someone is available to continuously checking on the pool. It is never recommended to leave your home during this time or to fill your pool overnight.
Can I run my pool pump 4 hours a day? ›
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.
Can I leave my pool pump off for a week? ›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.
Will it hurt my pool pump to run 24 7? ›Some commercial properties require 24-hour a day pump circulation, but as a homeowner, this is not advisable. If you are lucky enough to own an Energy Efficient, Variable Speed swimming pool pump (VSP) then , yes, technically you could run your pump for 24 hours a day.
How can I lower my pool pump energy bill? ›...
6 Ways to Reduce Pool Energy Costs
- Invest in a variable-speed pool pump. ...
- Cover your pool. ...
- Skim regularly. ...
- Clean strainer baskets and filters regularly. ...
- Reduce the pump's run time. ...
- Avoid running the pump during “on-peak” hours.
One of the biggest questions when it comes to regular maintenance is the swimming pool pump. It's not necessary to have your swimming pool pump running at all times, as this can be a serious expense on your electric bill.
How long should pool pump run in summer? ›So how long should the average pool pump run during the summer? To make this process simple, it easier for homeowners to follow this basic guideline: for every 10 degrees of outdoor temperature run your pump for one hour. So if the average temperature is 60 degrees, run your pump for 6 hours.
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.
Should I turn off my pool pump when I go on vacation? ›Keep the pump and filter on while you are away.
Most pumps come have an automatic timer that makes this very easy. Set it before you leave to ensure the pool filter system will run at least 8 to 12 hours per day.
The most common reason pool water turns green is due to algae growing in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly in hot weather, which is why it can surprise you overnight during the warmer months. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.
Can I run my pool pump for 48 hours? ›Trust us when we say it's important to keep your water pump continuously running throughout the pool season. For hotels and other types of public pool spaces, it's actually a law to keep a pump running nonstop; but for homeowners who are concerned about saving energy, resources and money, have no fear.