how long should i run my pool filter in winter

How Long Should I Run My Pool Filter in Winter?

Winter is just around the corner and for pool owners, it's time to start thinking about winterizing their pools. One of the most important aspects of winterizing is running the pool filter. The question comes to mind of how long should I run my pool filter in winter? This is a great question as there are no set guidelines of how long to run your pool filter in winter, and the answer may vary depending on the weather. In this article, we will explore some factors that determine the filter runtime in winter.

Factors that Determine Runtime of a Pool Filter in Winter

Weather

The first factor that impacts the filter runtime is the weather. In areas where the winters are mild, pool owners may only need to run their filters for a few hours a day, especially if they have a cover on their pool. However, in areas where the winters are harsh, the filter may need to run all day and night to keep the water from freezing.

Pool Usage

Another factor that impacts the filter runtime in winter is pool usage. If your pool sees a lot of use during the winter or if you have a hot tub attached to the pool, you may need to run the filter for longer periods of time. This is because more usage means more contaminants in the water, and the longer the pool filter runs, the better chance it has of removing these contaminants.

Size of Pool

The size of your pool also has an impact on the filter runtime in winter. If you have a larger pool, you will need to run the filter for longer periods of time to ensure that all of the water circulates through the system. Smaller pools, on the other hand, may only need to run for a few hours a day.

Type of Pool Filter

The type of pool filter that you have installed in your pool will also impact the runtime. If you have a sand filter, you will need to run it longer in the winter as it takes longer for sand to catch and remove the contaminants from the water. On the other hand, if you have a cartridge filter, you may only need to run it for a few hours a day as these filters are more efficient and can remove contaminants quickly.

Chemical Treatment

Chemical treatment is also a factor that can impact the filter runtime in winter. If you use chemicals to treat your pool, you may need to run the filter for longer periods of time to ensure that the chemicals are thoroughly circulated in the water. This is especially true if you have a large pool or if you use a lot of chemicals.

How Long Should I Run My Pool Filter in Winter?

As mentioned earlier, there are no set guidelines for how long to run your pool filter in winter. However, as a general rule, you should run your filter for at least 6-8 hours a day in the winter. This will help to ensure that all of the water circulates through the system and that contaminants are removed from the water.

If you have a larger pool, you may need to run the filter for longer periods of time. For example, if you have a 25,000-gallon pool, you may need to run the filter for 8-10 hours a day in the winter. Conversely, if you have a smaller pool, you may only need to run the filter for a few hours a day.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, it's important to run your pool filter in the winter to ensure that your water stays clean and algae-free. The runtime of the filter will depend on several factors, including the weather, pool usage, size of pool, type of pool filter, and chemical treatment. By considering these factors, you can determine the best runtime for your pool filter in winter. Remember to balance energy efficiency with filtration efficiency to keep your pool running smoothly throughout the winter months.