What time during day to run pump

schutzk21 · Jun 10, 2017

Hello everyone,

I like to add my bleach in my pool after the sun goes down. Is it ideal to then run the pump overnight to circulate the bleach?

For those that add their bleach after sundown....what time of the day do you run your pump? I like to try and run mine for 8 hours each day.

Thanks for your help!

woodyp · Jun 10, 2017

You only need to run the pump a half hour or so after adding bleach. That help you out any? You can always split run times if you have that option.

schutzk21 · Jun 10, 2017

Yes, that helps a lot. So do you believe it is better to run the filter during the day?

mknauss · Jun 10, 2017

Welcome! Depends alot on your pool type, size, surrounding trees, bushes, electricity prices, etc.

To help us help you - please fill out a signature -- Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post.

Typically one runs a normally chlorinated pool to skim the surface of debris and filter the water of solids. So see what gets in your pool during a typical day and adjust accordingly.

Take care.

woodyp · Jun 10, 2017

Afternoon for sure. Wanna know why? You're gonna burn off more FC in say the top 6-8 inches of water from sun. Helps keep FC more evenly spread out.

poolmama67 · Jun 10, 2017

I have mine on a timer. I run it for about 6 hours and then off for 6 and then back on for 6 more and then off for 6.

spinPHD · Jun 10, 2017

My pool run time is set to run autimatically at 50% speed from 9:00am - 3:00pm. That's when my pool is in full sun.

My pump has manual quick clean button, that runs pump at 100% for 1 hour.

I hit that button after sunset and immediately apply bleach. I don't test at this time, I just put in what my pool usually needs each day.

In morning, I skim first then run pump on quick clean again. After 30 minutes I test levels. Add muriatic acid at this time if needed and if I need any additional FC I will add more bleach.

So bascially 2 hours at 100%, and 6 hours at 50% speed.

Richard320 · Jun 10, 2017

My pump runs from 4-6 PM. No special reason other than I used to get home around 4:40 so it had time to mix before testing and time to mix after dosing.

Yes, two hours a day is plenty to keep the water clear. I don't get a lot of blown in dust and it does get a few hours extra per week when I'm vacuuming or bleeding off some water onto the back lawn to lower the CH.