Better to run pump twice per day for 2 hrs rather than 4 hr?

[AB]

Hi, just got a timer replaced and now have total of 4 timer dogs rather than 2.

In the winter I will be running the pool pump 4 hrs a day. Is there an advantage to running it twice a day for 2 hrs a day?

I was thinking, if I run it for 4 hrs, then it sits for 20 hrs. If I ran it for 2 cycles of 2 hrs each that would reduce the time the pool 'sits' to 10 hrs each day max...would it help with reducing algae, other benefits, etc?

Thanks, Aaron

 

[JasonLion]

Yes, spreading the pump run time out across the day is better. Though it doesn't make a large difference, doing this does help a little.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

Remember to pull the Off pins in freezing temps are expected for more than a couple hours, shorter if its going to get really cold!

Scott

 

[Guest]

Sometimes you can also run the pool at night to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates (not available in all areas). It tends to cool the pool down since nighttime temps are obviously cooler than daytime, but that shouldn't be a problem this time of year!

 

[gpgyo]

It would seem that turning the pump off/on twice per day versus once per day would increase wear and tear on the pump. Is it enough additional wear and tear that it should play a part in this decision?

 

[JasonLion]

No, a few additional on/offs each day won't make any measurable difference. If you turned it on/off every 30 seconds you might have a problem eventually, but on/off two to four times a day is just fine.