Is there a recommended "best time" to run a pool filter for maintaining chemical harmony? I ask because typically I run my pool in the evening for the purpose of energy savings - I'm on the time-of-use plan but considering moving off it. The neighbor next to me and behind me run their pools during the day so I'm wondering if they know something I don't.
Best Time to Run Filter - AZ Resident
- Thread starter asusundevil
- Start date
Run it when it's cheap.
You don't have to run it a whole lot each day. Keeping your water in balance is way more important.
You don't have to run it a whole lot each day. Keeping your water in balance is way more important.
f3justusc
Well-known member
Living in Florida, I find that running my pump during the day helps to circulate the warm top layer. When the pump shuts off on a really sunny day, the top six inches of the pool water gets very warm. The other 38 inches, not so much. Then, I have to start the pump to circulate it before we get in. Now that I have real solar, I definitely run it during the day.
Ideally you want to run it for several short periods spread around the clock. However, it doesn't really make that much difference.
elwood58
LifeTime Supporter
My folks are on a similar power plan that increases at noon. They use 11:45 am as the end point, and back up the clock from there to achieve their needed run time.
Running during day will just help circulate water --- keep it clean/filtered, even out the temperature, etc. Nice things. But it will come at a huge cost in your energy bill, that isn't worth it.
I am in Phoenix on time of use (APS) and my rates increase between 12:00pm and 7:00pm. After 7pm the rates are basically cheap/free, up until 12pm the next day. I have my filter programmed to start around 8pm and shut off at around 12pm -- with different cycles/times of pump speeds (variable speed). This works very well.
Doing above, my electric bill didn't increase after getting the pool. But if you try to run it during peak times, you'll notice it. I just checked my APS statement, the cost per kWh is:
Peak = $0.213 (12pm-7pm)
Off Peak = $0.076 (other time)
I am in Phoenix on time of use (APS) and my rates increase between 12:00pm and 7:00pm. After 7pm the rates are basically cheap/free, up until 12pm the next day. I have my filter programmed to start around 8pm and shut off at around 12pm -- with different cycles/times of pump speeds (variable speed). This works very well.
Doing above, my electric bill didn't increase after getting the pool. But if you try to run it during peak times, you'll notice it. I just checked my APS statement, the cost per kWh is:
Peak = $0.213 (12pm-7pm)
Off Peak = $0.076 (other time)
f3justusc
Well-known member
So, people who have solar are forced to pay the higher rates? That seems counterproductive.
- May 22, 2013
- 2,796
- Pool Size
- 12000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Welcome to the forum Cyberalien 
Please add your location to your profile and your pools info to your signature as outlined here : http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/165-getting-started
Please add your location to your profile and your pools info to your signature as outlined here : http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/165-getting-started
I don't have solar. If I had solar, in theory, my solar cells would be generating the electricity to power the pump and so I wouldn't be pulling power off the grid = free. Many people with solar actually produce more than they use, so under current rates, they are actually selling power back into the grid -- either making money or offsetting their electric bill (eg: solar doesn't power at night).
Most people who install "solar" for the pools seem to only have setup for heating the pool, not an actual power setup for the house.
Most people who install "solar" for the pools seem to only have setup for heating the pool, not an actual power setup for the house.