Pool Pump Run Times

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SylKal

SylKal

Member
Aug 30, 2022
24
Chapel Hill NC
Pool Size
20000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hey TFP community! I think I know the answer to my question and I’ll probably get as many different answers as there are members but here it goes. We’ve had the pool about 1 1/2 years and the filter has been running 24-7 (timer my pool company put it on) the more research I do the more I see that it’s not needed that often. I’ve gathered that it is a personal preference ( cleanliness, use and or cost) what is a good starting point? Nights, days, split run times? Ok, let’s have it! Don’t be afraid to jump in, the waters fine😂
 
First reason to run the pump is to create/distribute the chlorine each day for your pool. Do you use the Trichlor thing or add liquid chlorine?
Second reason to run the pump is to skim the surface.
Final reason is to filter the water. That is typically accomplished by one or both of the first two reasons.
 
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SylKal said:
Hey TFP community! I think I know the answer to my question and I’ll probably get as many different answers as there are members but here it goes. We’ve had the pool about 1 1/2 years and the filter has been running 24-7 (timer my pool company put it on) the more research I do the more I see that it’s not needed that often. I’ve gathered that it is a personal preference ( cleanliness, use and or cost) what is a good starting point? Nights, days, split run times? Ok, let’s have it! Don’t be afraid to jump in, the waters fine😂
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You show to have a VS pump so at what speed do you run your pump if it is running 24/7? A lower speed can be more energy efficient and still accomplish many of the requirements for skimming, circulating your additions of liquid chlorine and MA, etc. Don't fall into the trap that you need a certain amount of time to turnover the pool volume. Those with heavy debris run longer to skim and those with screened in patios may run less as they only need to circulate to mix chemicals and a small amount of debris.

Many people run their VS pumps 20-24 hrs at low speeds because they have a SWCG but prior to converting to a SWCG, I ran my VS pump 21 hrs a day for circulation to skim and mix chemicals. I have several trees around the pool that when the wind picks up, the leaves find their way to the pool. I continue to run my VS pump over 21 hrs a day now with a SWCG.
 
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I went from a heavily treed yard that stuff was always dropping to a yard that butts up to a farm where stuff is always blowing. I'd run 24/7 regardless of chlorination method. (I happen to have a SWG but its irrelevant here). By running a schedule, I'd save about $10 a month in electric (VS pump) but I'd also have 12+ hours a day for stuff to get waterlogged and sink to the bottom with the pump off.

I paid a steep premium for a pump that could efficiently run slowly and I gladly use the feature.
 
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I keep the pool open year round (wife is a Triathlete) in North Carolina. There is maybe 6-12 weeks we don't use it in the winter, depending on how cold it gets. I recently switched from Tri-Chlor to LC (CYA was 131 now around 50) We are seriously considering SWCG with how much $ and Time I'm spending keeping up with LC demand! (that's another story I'm sure I'll need help with:rolleyes:) Anyway, I run the pump 24/7 at about 30 in the winter and 40 in the summer months. We have quite a few pines trees in the backyard around the pool. We like to keep it crystal clear. It's only the two of us with the occasional summer party.
 
I keep the pool open year round (wife is a Triathlete) in North Carolina. There is maybe 6-12 weeks we don't use it in the winter, depending on how cold it gets. I recently switched from Tri-Chlor to LC (CYA was 131 now around 50) We are seriously considering SWCG with how much $ and Time I'm spending keeping up with LC demand! (that's another story I'm sure I'll need help with :rolleyes: ) Anyway, I run the pump 24/7 at about 30 in the winter and 40 in the summer months. We have quite a few pines trees in the backyard around the pool. We like to keep it crystal clear. It's only the two of us with the occasional summer party. Looking for suggestions/ input on pump schedules VS 24/7
 
What do you keep your pump speeds at? What is the downside of SWCG? From what I'm reading Pentair isn't the best for SWG (doesn't last as long and more costly to replace) can I integrate another system with my Pentair equipment?
 

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SylKal said:
What do you keep your pump speeds at? What is the downside of SWCG? From what I'm reading Pentair isn't the best for SWG (doesn't last as long and more costly to replace) can I integrate another system with my Pentair equipment?
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1600. I can run down to 1200 and still have SWCG and heater work, but as filter pressure rises, I will lose the heater. 1600 is enough that even if my filter pressure rises 25% it will still work.

I can't think of a downside to SWCG. I did the chlorine bit for two years. Kicked myself for not doing it earlier.

What system do you have? Fill out your signature maybe?

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www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
SylKal said:
What do you keep your pump speeds at? What is the downside of SWCG? From what I'm reading Pentair isn't the best for SWG (doesn't last as long and more costly to replace) can I integrate another system with my Pentair equipment?
Click to expand...
I run at 1500rpm constantly with couple of hours a day at higher speed to have more effective skimming. It also goes to higher rpm when I turn on heater. There is more energy efficiency when pump is run at lower rpm.

Pentair, Jandy and Haywood are the big 3 that provide a wide variety of equipment for pools. There is CircuPool which is used by many members on the forum. Each design is different. Pentair has all the electronics built into their cell assembly which tends to increase its cost. Others put the electronics in a control box. There is limited data as to which is better. There are many members pleased with a SWCG from the big 3 because it is packaged together with other equipment, allows SWCG to be controlled by the same mfg. Automation system., etc. The 3rd party SWCGs tend to give a longer warranty but they also tend to overstate their specs.
It is also about how well you keep your pool chemistry so not to shorten the life of a SWCG.
You can search the forum what you need. Just remember you want a SWCG rated for 2x your pool volume.
 
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Thanks for the information. I am looking at the Intellichem system by Pentair. They offer two different systems. 1) uses LC and Acid. 2) uses SWG and Acid. Does anyone know anything about this system?
 
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