Help Me Build a Proper Variable Speed Schedule

[canadianeh]

I have been using the variable speed schedule that was programmed in the house we bought, not sure it's the best one or right one.

Often, the pump will shut off at various times. I think we had a conflict in our schedule.

However, is there a better way to program a proper schedule? What is the best way? I tried reading a few articles but they were very confusing.

Also, same with heater/salt cell, should these be scheduled too?

 

[needsajet]

Yes, the SWCG and heater can only run within your pump operating times.

Pump run time is guided by how clean you want the pool to look. Typical starting point is 8 hrs per day during swim season, which covers skimming needs, and is usually enough for SWCG run time and heater (unless it's a heat pump because they generally need longer). Somewhat less in shoulder seasons, down to around 4 hrs per day.

Another alternative if flow rate is adequate for SWCG and heater, is to run longer hours at lower speed, but again, provided it's enough flow to get the skimming done. You can also play around with aiming your return jets to assist with skimming.

Welcome to TFP by the way. Good to have you here

 

[markayash]

VS pumps are very energy Efficient so I just run mine at the lowest speed that give me good flow and keeps SWG happy 24/7.
You may not need it as high as you have it, all depends on your preference.

 

[canadianeh]

The lowest I can set mine is 45%. I guess that is the question I was unsure about.

During the pool season, are there times where the pump should be completely off versus always running?

 

[mknauss]

During the pool season, are there times where the pump should be completely off versus always running?

Certainly. The pump needs to be run for a reason. Create/distribute chemicals, skim the surface, heat the water. If you do not need any of those all day, schedule the pump to be off.

 

[Darin]

run it the slowest speed you can for your SWG and skimmers to work. There is no reason other than manual vac to run it faster. Manual vac wide open. Since every pool is different a VS is great because you get you pick your slowest operating speed for your pool to work.
For those that like to shut pump off during the day, do it during you peak electrical cost.
I never shut mine off.

 

[markayash]

You may want to try adjusting your returns ( if possible) if you want to run at a slower speed.
For example I have my pool returns 75% closed and most of the water to the spa and out the water fall.

Just a thought

 

[needsajet]

During the pool season, are there times where the pump should be completely off versus always running?

I run mine on low speed mostly, medium speed during windy weather which drops more leaves on the pool. My longest run is 8 hours per day at the peak of the swim season, therefore 16 hrs per day when it's off.

I wouldn't say "should be" though, because it's personal preference. If I wanted, for example, not to ever risk seeing a leaf floating on it when I get up in the morning, I would set it to come on for an hour before I get up. But for me, I know the pump will come on soon enough, and that morning leaf or leaves doesn't bother me, so it comes on later. My scheduled running hours are when I might want to swim, or people might visit, so for example, I might go with 9 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm.