how long should a pool filter pump run

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Running a pool filter pump is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of your swimming pool. But, how long should a pool filter pump run? The answer is, it depends on various factors. In this article, we will discuss the factors that impact the runtime of a pool filter pump and how to accurately determine the ideal runtime for your specific pool.

Factor #1 - Pool Size

The size of your pool plays a significant role in determining how long your pool filter pump should run. Typically, larger pools require more extended runtimes than smaller pools. It is recommended to run the filter pump for at least eight hours for a small pool up to 10,000 gallons. If your pool is larger than 10,000 gallons, experts recommend running the pump for 10-12 hours.

Factor #2 - Bather Load

Bather load refers to the number of people who use your pool daily. The more people use your pool, the higher the bather load. High bather load means more contaminants such as sweat, sunscreen, and body oils in the pool. Therefore, if you have a high bather load, you need to run your pool filter pump for longer durations. Experts recommend increasing the runtime by 30 minutes for every additional hour of swim time.

Factor #3 - Weather Conditions

Weather conditions also impact the runtime of your pool filter pump. The amount of sunlight your pool receives is essential in determining the runtime. If your pool is in a location that receives a high amount of sunlight, it will have a higher chlorine demand, and the pool filter pump will need to run for longer durations. If you have a pool in a wet climate, you may not need to run the pool filter pump as much because the rainwater will help dilute any chemicals in the pool.

Factor #4 - Filtration System

The type of filtration system you have in your pool also affects the runtime of your pool filter pump. If your pool has a sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, you only need to run them for around eight hours a day. Conversely, if your pool has a cartridge filter, you will need to run the pool filter pump for longer durations, up to 12 hours each day.

Factor #5 - Chemical Levels

The chemical levels in your pool also influence the runtime of your pool filter pump. If you have well-balanced chemical levels, the pool filter pump will not need to run for as long durations. If your pool has high levels of chlorine or salt, you may need to run the pool filter pumps for longer durations. You can use chemical testing kits to determine the correct chemical levels in your pool.

How to Determine the Ideal Runtime?

Now that you are aware of the various factors that influence the runtime of your pool filter pump, it is time to determine the ideal runtime for your specific pool. You can calculate the runtime using the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the Total Gallons in Your Pool

You can calculate the total gallons in your pool using the length, width, and depth of your pool.

Step 2: Decide on a Turnover Rate

Experts recommend a turnover rate of 8-10 hours. This means that you need to calculate the total amount of water in your pool, divide it by 8 or 10, and then run the pool filter pump for that many hours.

Step 3: Calculate the Hourly Flow Rate

The hourly flow rate is the amount of water the pool filter pump can circulate in one hour. You can check this information on your filter pump manual.

Step 4: Determine the Ideal Runtime

Once you have calculated the hourly flow rate and decided on the turnover rate, you can determine the ideal runtime for your specific pool.

Conclusion

Running your pool filter pump for the ideal time is essential for keeping your pool clean and hygienic. The runtime of a pool filter pump depends on several factors, including the pool size, bather load, weather conditions, filtration system, and chemical levels. To determine the ideal runtime for your specific pool, you can use the steps discussed above. By following the appropriate runtime, you can enjoy a sparkling clean swimming pool all season long.