Trying to determine pump run times. Our pump is still currently set to run ALLLLLL the time which is how the builder left it programmed. I would like to have it run at a lower speed throughout the night since this is when off peak hours are for the power company. My question is, is it better to let the pump run all the time on low speed to keep the pump from having to "start up" / prime every day? Is it hard on a pump to shut off and on every day? Also our pump is configured to prime for 8 minutes, should I shut this function off or lower the prime duration?
Pump run time and prime time
- Thread starter jarcher89
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,689
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You can lessen the prime time if your not having issues priming. Also reduce the rpm it primes at to 3000 rpm or less and see if you have issues.
Your pump time is related to your skimming needs. You do not have a SWCG, so all you need is the pump to run for an hour or so after you add your liquid chlorine for the day.
You can also leave your pump running 24 hours a day. Up to you. Lower the rpm down to point that you still get good skimming action. Then see if you can run the pump for shorter periods and still get the same skimming performance.
The pump is not bothered by starting and stopping. But do set a lower max rpm. No more than 3000 rpm.
Your pump time is related to your skimming needs. You do not have a SWCG, so all you need is the pump to run for an hour or so after you add your liquid chlorine for the day.
You can also leave your pump running 24 hours a day. Up to you. Lower the rpm down to point that you still get good skimming action. Then see if you can run the pump for shorter periods and still get the same skimming performance.
The pump is not bothered by starting and stopping. But do set a lower max rpm. No more than 3000 rpm.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,074
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
You might be able to make that argument for an induction motor because those motors ramp up to full speed very quickly (i.e. hard start). However for a VS, they use a slow start mechanism which ramps up RPM comparatively slowly and this reduces any startup stresses to almost nothing so I wouldn't be concerned about that.
A pump should not need to "prime" at all on startup unless the pump basket lid was removed. When off, a pump should not lose prime and the pump basket should remain full of water.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,327
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
I'm on a "Time of Use" plan here. Rates during peak hours are 56 cents per KWH. Off peak rates (10 pm to 8 am) are 14 cents per KWH. I primarily run the pump during off-peak/nighttime hours. I do run the pump at lower rpm's during the day while swimming.
I disabled the priming function on my VS. I've had no issues with air on the system.
I disabled the priming function on my VS. I've had no issues with air on the system.