Pump Run Time

[Cprtrails]

So I’ve read many posts and article about pump run time and still trying to decide what’s best. I understand the principles that running the pump only as much as needed to generate enough chlorine is the bottom line with preference for clearing debris as the next reason to run longer. In my scenario, assuming I’ve done my math correct, the PB set me up to run 2950/3hrs, 1700/6hrs, 2550/3hrs for a total of 12 hours. I’ve been running 24/7 this past week and a half as I’ve added salt and stabilizer in preparation of turning on SWG. I did really rough(conservative) numbers using the pump flow chart to determine flow at different speeds and then used pump watt usage on display for calculating running costs. The PB setup would hypothetically filter 28,800 gallons in 12 hours. I could run pump 2950/2hrs and 1700/22hrs and filter 46,800 gallons for almost the same energy cost. Either way, I plan to only run SWG as needed to maintain FC levels. I kind of like the idea of running 24 hours a lower speed for the same energy cost. Am I missing any downsides to running this way vs how PB set me up? Again numbers are ballpark, which I know is not ideal.

 

[Jimrahbe]

C,

The idea that you have to run X amount of water through your filter each day is an old myth.. It is just not true..

The filter is there to capture all the junk that falls into your pool, not to prevent algae.

Chemicals (chlorine) keeps your pool water clear and sanitized, not the number of times water passes through your filter..

There is just no reason to try to figure out GPM or flow or anything related to the size of your pool.

Just for reference, I run my pump 24/7, mostly at 1200 RPM.. This allows me to generate a little chlorine all the time and skim all the time..

I suggest that your run your pump as slow as you can and still consistently generate chlorine and skim.. Anything faster is just a waste of electricity.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Cprtrails]

Thanks Jim. Are you running your SWG longer at lower setting as well?

 

[Jimrahbe]

C,

A SWCG is either on or it is not... So the pump speed does not make any difference in the amount of chlorine that is being made, as long as the speed is fast enough to turn on the flow switch.

From the cell's point of view you can run one hour at 100% or 10 hours at 10%, and the cell does not care, it will still make the same amount of chlorine.

Because I run 24/7, it makes sense that I have to adjust the output percentage down so that I only generate the amount of chlorine that my pool needs.

I use the saltwater section of this chart to decide what my "Target" FC level should be based upon the CYA level in my pool... FC/CYA Levels

I find that it works best if you keep your FC at your target level or higher.. It is much harder to try to keep your FC between your target and the minimum. I never want to get close to my minimum...

Personally, I can't see the point of running the pump without the cell making chlorine.. So my pool makes a little chlorine 24/7.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[csconner]

I run mine 7x24 at 970RPM, right now SWG is running at 10% my current target FC is 7.0
I‘ve been guided by the form, and Jim’s experience as this is my second season.
pool is clear, swimming is great.