How long do I run the pump?

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lobral said:
Hello, I have a 3/4 hp pump and an 18,500 gallon pool. I'm wondering how much time every day I should be running the pump. It's often hot here (100+ degrees) in summers. I've heard the higher the temp, the longer you run the pump. Thanks.
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Pump needs to run long enough to:
1) Skim the pool to your satisfaction
2) Filter the pool to your satisfaction
3) Satisfy a flow switch to a heater or SWCG (if you have them)

Pool turnover is a myth. Your pool would likely be fine running just a couple of hours each day, but only you can assess what's ok, and what's not. With that said, you should consider replacing your single speed pump with a variable speed pump. A variable speed pump would likely pay for itself easily in the first year with CA electrical rates.
 
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This year I started running my pump as long as necessary to run my SWCG, which was typically 4-6 hours/day. I started getting algae on the weir gate styrofoam and crud sitting in the skimmer. I went back to running my pump 24/7.

It’s personal preference once your actual needs are met.
 
reggiehammond said:
Pump needs to run long enough to:
1) Skim the pool to your satisfaction
2) Filter the pool to your satisfaction
3) Satisfy a flow switch to a heater or SWCG (if you have them)

Pool turnover is a myth. Your pool would likely be fine running just a couple of hours each day, but only you can assess what's ok, and what's not. With that said, you should consider replacing your single speed pump with a variable speed pump. A variable speed pump would likely pay for itself easily in the first year with CA electrical rates.
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Thanks. When you say filter the pool to my satisfaction, how do you decide the pool is 'filtered' enough? I think I'll start looking at 2-stage pumps!
 
lobral said:
Thanks. When you say filter the pool to my satisfaction, how do you decide the pool is 'filtered' enough? I think I'll start looking at 2-stage pumps!
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Start where you are and reduce 1 hour of run time each week. See where you start to notice that you haven't skimmed as well as you need. For "filtering" - that's one thing people think is really important, but actually isn't for a well-sanitized pool. If you aren't skimming enough to remove any pollen, dirt, leaves, etc, you'll start to notice.

Look for a variable speed pump, not a 2-speed. VSP is a lot more flexible. I run my pump 24/7 at 1400rpms using about 200 watts per hour. It's basically nothing on the electric bill...
 
Thanks for the input. I have been running it 4 hours a day until Leslie told me to run it 8 hours a day. I didn't really see any notable difference (except in my electric bill).
reggiehammond said:
Start where you are and reduce 1 hour of run time each week. See where you start to notice that you haven't skimmed as well as you need. For "filtering" - that's one thing people think is really important, but actually isn't for a well-sanitized pool. If you aren't skimming enough to remove any pollen, dirt, leaves, etc, you'll start to notice.

Look for a variable speed pump, not a 2-speed. VSP is a lot more flexible. I run my pump 24/7 at 1400rpms using about 200 watts per hour. It's basically nothing on the electric bill...
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Great advice! Thank you.
 
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