Where do you set your pump?

[Osmigo]

I have a 1.85 HP Pentair XE variable speed pump, brand new. I'm just wondering where you people like to set yours on the 4/8/12 hour schedule. On our new gunite pool, barely a month old, I have it set on 4 hrs. @ "2", 8 hrs. @ "4" and 12 hrs. @ "6" Speed settings are 1 to 6, where 1 is fastest.

After brushing and adjusting chemistry, I use the Manual Override and put it on "1" (highest speed) for 3 hours.

Pool is 11X23 rectangular, 8550 gallons.

I keep the chemicals balanced, and all is fine, water is crystal clear, etc. I'm just wondering about other people's pump settings.

 

[sande005]

Many of us run as slow as possible 24/7. That is the huge saver on your electric bill. Your pump doesn't go super slow (low is 45% of full speed), but you may want to only bump it up as a baseline, or scheduled event, if any of your other equipment (heater, robots, etc.) needs the increased flow to operate. Just like driving your car at 55 will greatly increase gas milage over that when going 75.

 

[Osmigo]

Many of us run as slow as possible 24/7. That is the huge saver on your electric bill. Your pump doesn't go super slow (low is 45% of full speed), but you may want to only bump it up as a baseline, or scheduled event, if any of your other equipment (heater, robots, etc.) needs the increased flow to operate. Just like driving your car at 55 will greatly increase gas milage over that when going 75.

On this pump, the slowest speed, "6" is 40% of full speed. I'm thinking of going to Speed "4" which is 50% for 12 hours, then Speed "6" which is 40% for 12 hours, then just kicking it up to high speed for a couple of hours when brushing and adding chemicals. This is a smaller pool, and there is NOTHING in the water, it's clear as glass. I really don't see any reason to run it full blast for 4 hours.

 

[Osmigo]

I'm sorry, but I have another question. The Hayward pump runs on a 4/8/12 hour schedule. According to the Hayward documentation, you can restart this schedule by shutting off power to the pump, then restarting it. Is it OK to do this by turning off the circuit breaker, then turning it back on? Thanks.

 

[Newdude]

. I really don't see any reason to run it full blast for 4 hours

Is there a reason to run more than 40% ever?
Chemicals need 15 mins to mix and twice a day is even better. Low speed is fine for that.

it OK to do this by turning off the circuit breaker, then turning it back on?

Yes. The pump doesn't know how you cut power. I use my breaker as the on/off switch because it's closer than the plug and I don't have to step over pipes to get to it.

 

[zimdogg]

Run your pump fast enough for the skimmer to clean effectively for the majority of the time.

If you have a heater or salt cell that needs faster flow to operate, bump it up during the times you use those pieces of equipment.