Question about pump run time

[orthofish]

I did not close my pool this winter. I only blew out the deck jet lines.
Other than the freeze protector kicking my pump on low at 34 degrees, is there any reason to run my pump any other time???? Chlorine production stops at around 50 degrees I think.

 

[TizMe]

Once the water temp reaches 50 degrees (i think is the magic number) algae wont survive. So if your water is colder than that you should be ok.

 

[orthofish]

Thanks TizMe. I don't think my chlorinator works at 50 or below either.

 

[polyvue]

Besides algae, there are other reasons to run a pump. I keep mine going for at least an hour a day (with cleaner) just to clear the dust and debris that normally fall in the water; it's a precaution, sure, but I'd rather keep up the maintenance than face a mucked-up pool in a few months. I also continue testing. Most important is pH and chlorine. Even with no SWG running & winter-time temps, the chlorine will take longer to dissipate... but it will still get used up. Test periodically and add liquid chlorine (bleach) with the pump running as needed. This is the lazy person's method of non-closing winter maintenance, but it's also safe. You're not just ignoring the pool.

 

[orthofish]

Thanks polyvue. That's kinda what I've been doing. This is the first year with my pool and my first winter. A lesson in progress :lol: