how long pool filter on

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Long Should Your Pool Filter Be On for Clean and Clear Water?

Keeping your pool clean and clear is essential for providing comfortable swimming experiences. One of the most critical components of your pool's maintenance routine is the pool filter. The pool filter removes debris and dirt from the water, keeping it crystal clear and hygienic. It's important to know how long you should keep your pool filter on each day to ensure maximum water cleanliness. In this article, we'll explain how long you should keep your pool filter on and why it affects your pool.

Why Does the Filter Need to Run?

The pool filter's stated purpose is to remove debris, such as dirt, oils, and organic matter, from the swimming pool water. All of these materials can cause discoloration, scaling, and staining, and they can create an unhygienic environment for swimmers. The pool filter helps prevent this by removing these materials from the water. The circulation system pulls the water from the pool and pushes it through the filter, where it's cleaned and returned via the pool return jets. The cleaning process keeps the pool water crystal clear, so it's essential to make sure the filter runs for an appropriate time each day.

Factors Affecting How Long the Filter Should Run

The answer to the question of how long should the pool filter be on varies depending on several factors, with two of the most critical factors mentioned below.

Size of the Pool

A pool's size affects the amount of water passing through the filtration system and, as a result, the amount of debris and dirt that are collected. Smaller pools containing less water require less filtration than larger pools, which require longer filter running times.

Filter Type

The type of filter used also plays a role in determining how long your filter should run each day. In general, there are three types of filters: sand filters, cartridge filters, and D.E filters. Sand filters require the longest filter cleaning cycles, while D.E filters require the shortest run time. Cartridge filters fall in between the two.

How Long the Filter Should Run

Here are the following factors that affect how long the filter should run.

Pool Capacity and Size

In general, the pool filter should be on for six to eight hours per day for pools with regular use. However, the amount of time your pool filter runs each day depends on the pool's total volume. You can determine your pool's total volume by multiplying your pool's length, width, and depth. If you have a larger pool, you may need to run the filter for a longer period. Conversely, for smaller pools, you may only need to run the filter for a shorter period.

Type of Filter

The filter's specific cleaning requirements impact the duration of how long the filter should run each day. Sand filters must be backwashed every week, so they typically run for six to eight hours. Cartridge filters require longer filter run times than sand filters since the debris is absorbed into the filter cartridge. It is recommended that cartridge filters run for eight to ten hours each day. Finally, D.E filters clean the pool water the most thoroughly and require the shortest filter run time. The recommended duration is between four to six hours each day.

Pool Usage

The pool's usage also plays a role in determining how long the filter should run each day. For example, if you spend a significant amount of time swimming in the pool each day, you may need to run the filter for a more extended period to keep the water clean. If you rarely use your pool, your filter may not need to run for more than a few hours each day.

To Sum It Up

In conclusion, how long the pool filter should be on is dependent on a few factors. The pool's size, type of filter, and usage will all impact the filter's cleaning requirements. Remember, your swimming pool's filtration system is critical in maintaining its cleanliness and should always be given the attention it deserves. Ensure that your filter is running for the right amount of time daily, and you'll provide a comfortable and enjoyable swimming experience.