Do you keep your pump and filter on or off???

gugarci · Jun 21, 2009

Quick question since this is another weekend where the pool is not going to be used due to the weather. I think I'm living in the rain forest. We opened up the pool on Memorial Day weekend and due to cold temps and now rain almost every day, for the last 2 weeks, we still have not used our pool. Hoping next weekend will be the one.

Anyway my question is the following. When you guys used your pool do you guys keep your pump and filter on or off??? I used to keep on but someone told me I should turn it off for safety reasons, electricity, water, and kids splashing not a good combination.

So if we ever get to used our pool this summer should I keep it on or off while the pool is being used???
Thanks.

Vickery · Jun 21, 2009

Unless your pump is mounted on the top of the pool, it shouldn't be a problem. It's all designed for outdoor, rain exposed conditions. Of course if the rain continues enough to flood your yard (we're in hurricane alley...that's happened to us) and the pump gets submerged, then pull the plug and open the breaker. I sometimes turn the return eyeball up parallel to the surface and float around on the lazy river!

gugarci · Jun 21, 2009

No my pump and filter is behind the pool and it sits on a small wooden platform very close to the ground.

Cassiopeia · Jun 21, 2009

gugarci said:
Quick question since this is another weekend where the pool is not going to be used due to the weather. I think I'm living in the rain forest. We opened up the pool on Memorial Day weekend and due to cold temps and now rain almost every day, for the last 2 weeks, we still have not used our pool. Hoping next weekend will be the one.

Anyway my question is the following. When you guys used your pool do you guys keep your pump and filter on or off??? I used to keep on but someone told me I should turn it off for safety reasons, electricity, water, and kids splashing not a good combination.

So if we ever get to used our pool this summer should I keep it on or off while the pool is being used???
Thanks.

Sometimes mine is on, sometimes off. Doesn't really matter to me. Although I do enjoy when it is on because the force of the water swirling pushes me around the pool in my tube. :-D

Laenini · Jun 21, 2009

Snark said:
I sometimes turn the return eyeball up parallel to the surface and float around on the lazy river!

I am so going to try this!!! :-D

frustratedpoolmom · Jun 21, 2009

It all depends if your pool/pump is properly grounded or not. You should seek the advice of an electrical expert.

I like the filter running when we are in, because the kids stir up all the crud and I don't have to vacume. :wink:

geoshecks · Jun 22, 2009

ANY electrical outlet in a potentially wet area should be on a GFCI circuit. A GFCI senses a fault or short situation and throws the breaker. Most outside circuits should be GFI. The breaker in the box may be GFI or a GFCI outlet may be used upstream from the pool outlet. Codes vary, so if you are unsure about the wiring, hire a qualified electrician for peace of mind. If your pump is properly grounded, and you have a GFCI circuit, there is no problem running the filter while swimming. Don't EVER run an extension cord to any outlet which you are not sure is GFCI. Don't EVER defeat the third prong on an extension cord.