How many times per day should we run our pumps

[robdac]

All these "how long should I run my pump" threads got me thinking;

1. What is the current philosophy as to how many times per day we should run our pump? I assume most people only run them once a day but my pump comes on twice a day. Any advantages or disadvantages?
2. Assuming constant hourly electric rates is there a better time to run the pump?
3. Does #2 change if using a SWCG?

 

[f3justusc]

Since I only have one pump, I run it constantly from 930-245pm to catch the heat for the solar. I have always run it only during the day for a set amount of things and then off. If the pool were to stop being clear, I would consider another method.

 

[JasonLion]

1) As many different times spread around the clock as you can conveniently program on your timer/automation system.
2) Not really.
3) Not really.

 

[pooldv]

The same amount of total run time per day spread out over multiple times per day will keep the surface skimmed a lot better. Like four one hour runs vs one four hour run.

 

[Defgufman]

I run once per day for six hours, and occasionally more if there are a lot of swimmers.

 

[H-12 1/2 Mike]

I now run 24/7 @ 1100rpm (except when polaris is running) and found the pool to be much cleaner and the cost to be much less than when it was running for 8
hrs at 2000 rpm.

16,400 gal gunite, intelliflo pump, 400k btu heater, polaris 360, aqualink RS-6. Highland Village, TX.

 

[BoDarville]

There are so many variables in determining pump run time that there is no single right answer. It's something that is very specific to your pool, equipment, location (not just geographic but also proximity to trees, dust, etc. that can get blown into the pool), whether you have solar heating, and whether your pool is SWG or manually chlorinated to name some of the more common variables. Using me as an example, I have a single-speed pump and a manually chlorinated pool. I run the pump on an as-needed basis. I manually run the pump - it is not on a timer unless I'm out of town. During the swim season, I usually run it for around 30-40 minutes per day - during and right after adding chlorine. I also make adjustments for events like pool parties, when an unusually large amount of debris gets blown into the pool, or if I'm adding more than just chlorine to the pool (usually that's muriatic acid). If I had a 2-speed or variable-speed pump, I would run it at a lower speed for a bit longer period of time.

Note that my approach will not work if your pool is SWG, you have solar, or you have an unusually large bather load on a fairly regular basis.

 

[jrs_diesel]

I have a mechanical Intermatic timer, and have mine set for two on-off times for a total of 3 hours runtime (winter settings). 1 hour in the morning, and 2 in the evening. Now that the water is warming up and summer is coming, I plan on expanding the pump time for the morning and evening runs, plus add a mid-day run as well.

If I have a lot of people swimming, I'll usually walk over and use the manual switch to turn the pump on. The timer turns it off the next time an off time comes around.

That's about the best I can manage with the timer and a 2 HP single speed pump. Seems to be the best balance for clean water and my electric bill. My pump is getting old and whenever it quits, I am looking forward to replace it with a variable speed one.