Pump run times?

[poolmom21]

Hi. 25,000 Pool gallon. SWG. how long should I run the pump on high speed and low speed to avoid any algae/dirty water? I do have a MKX pool vacuum daily that needs high speed in order to run. Our weather is also starting to hit the high 90’s and we normally have 110 plus weather in the summer. Currently I have it at 4 hours at high speed 3750 rpms and 6 hours at 50% speed.

 

[ajw22]

Determine Pump Run Time

To figure out how many hours you need to run your pump, you need to know how fast your pump works. You can find this here.

www.troublefreepool.com

Algae is handled by the proper level of CYA and chlorine and not by running the pump.

You will need to determine the best runtime for skimming to keep your pool clean. It varies in different environments.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mom,

Your 40K cell will produce about 6.7 ppm of FC when run for 24 hours at 100% cell output. That is about .28 ppm per hour

Your pool needs 2 - 4 ppm of FC per day in the summer. To get 3 ppm you will need to run your cell for about 11 hours. Keep in mind this is with your cell's output set to 100%.

This time of year, you probably only need 2 ppm of FC per day, or about 7 hours.

The key here is not guess what your run time should be, but to test your FC and see what it does. If the FC is going down then run the pump longer or increase the cell's output. If the FC is going up, then you can run less or turn the cell's output down.

You always want your FC to be in the proper relationship with your CYA level per the saltwater section of this chart.. FC/CYA Levels

I think running the pump a 50% RPM, is too fast. I'd turn the speed down as low as you can without shutting the cell off.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cowboycasey]

I run my SWG at 1100 rpm and it depends on how much chlorine you need, no need to run a VS pump at 100% or even 50%

 

[AJB1234]

Wouldn't running a pump at higher speed increase circulation which makes it more difficult for algae to form (not that I want a pump running at high speed if avoidable)?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Wouldn't running a pump at higher speed increase circulation which makes it more difficult for algae to form

A,

If you have to run the pump faster to prevent algae, you have already lost the battle...

Algae starts because of a lack of FC, it really has little to do with circulation. I agree that algae tends to start where the circulation is less, but lack of circulation is not the cause, it is lack of FC.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[AJB1234]

Got it, thanks for clarifying.

 

[PoolStored]

Go to this post and read from there. Could be really helpful (another new SWG owner asking the same question).

Water chemistry - need help!

Didn't your kit come with another sample tube not connected to the pH test block? This is the K-2006C contents... The TF100 comes with 2 graduated cylinders...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AJB1234]

I'll read this, thank you

 

[PoolStored]

Downloading this can also help:

SWG Run Time Calculator

What is the SWG Run Time Calculator? A tool that is designed to answer the common question of "how long should I run my pump/SWG". It calculates the run time of your SWG and Pump based on your pool size, the output of your SWG and your daily FC PPM loss. It is designed as a starting point...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AJB1234]

Downloading this can also help:

SWG Run Time Calculator

What is the SWG Run Time Calculator? A tool that is designed to answer the common question of "how long should I run my pump/SWG". It calculates the run time of your SWG and Pump based on your pool size, the output of your SWG and your daily FC PPM loss. It is designed as a starting point...

www.troublefreepool.com

Thank you. Will this work for a liquid chlorine pool (not swg)?

 

[PoolStored]

Thank you. Will this work for a liquid chlorine pool (not swg)?

Not setup for that. If you are using auto liquid, like a stenner, the idea is the same. If you know how long to run chlorinator to raise 1fc, and say your daily usage averaged over a week/month, you can easily calculate daily run rate.

 

[AJB1234]

Not setup for that. If you are using auto liquid, like a stenner, the idea is the same. If you know how long to run chlorinator to raise 1fc, and say your daily usage averaged over a week/month, you can easily calculate daily run rate.

Thank you. Using a stenner but the dosage is based on orp, not time. I do use 2 stenners based on time for two fountains but they are dialed in already. Appreciate it

 

[Jimrahbe]

Ajb,

The problem with ORP is that you have to keep your CYA very low for it to work. And the sensors go bad over time, but you have no way to tell.

There is nothing like a human in the loop to keep things on track.

Kind of like an autopilot.. if you are asleep, it will work great... right up to the point of the impact.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[AJB1234]

Thank you. I do check chemicals weekly. Appreciate your insight on this and help.