how long should the pool filter run every day

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Let's face it, you have invested a lot of money in your pool. A pool is a great investment and a great way to enjoy the summer months. Maintaining a clean pool is crucial to the longevity of your investment, and this requires a well-functioning pool filter. You might be wondering how long should the pool filter run every day? Understanding the importance of a functioning pool filter and how long to run it will ensure that your pool remains clean and safe for swimming. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail.

Why Is It Important to Run Your Pool Filter?

A pool filter plays a significant role in keeping your pool water clean by removing dirt, debris, contaminants, and other unwanted particles from the water. By capturing these particles, the filter keeps the water clear and safe for swimming.

If you avoid running your pool filter, the water in the pool will quickly become dirty, cloudy, and unsuitable for swimming. Even worse, an accumulation of bacteria or algae in the water may cause skin infections or respiratory problems.

Therefore, running your pool filter is essential to maintain hygienic pool water, reducing the chances of harmful bacteria or algae build-up.

What Averages Do Pool Contractors Recommend for Running a Pool Filter?

Several factors determine how long your pool filter should run each day. According to experts, the general rule of thumb is to run the filter for about eight hours daily. This figure depends on the size of the pool, the filter's capacity, and the usage rate.

Suppose you have a large pool, frequent usage, or live in an area with lots of exterior debris falling into your pool. In that case, you may need to increase the running time to 10-12 hours per day.

If you have a smaller pool, occasional usage, or live in a cleaner area with fewer leaves, dirt, and debris falling into the pool, you may be able to get away with running the filter for four to six hours per day.

It's also important to note that factors such as weather, rainfall, and the pool's location may also affect how often you need to run your pool filter.

What Happens If You Overrun Your Pool Filter?

Excessive running of your pool filter can have its downsides, especially in colder temperatures. If you run your pool filter too long, you may risk reducing the pool's water temperature, causing additional wear on the system's parts, such as the pump.

Overworking your pool filter can also cause clogging, reducing the filter's effectiveness. In turn, this means the water may not be adequately filtered, leading to dirty pool water and the need for chemical shock treatments.

If you want to save energy and prolong your filter's life, you should not run your pool filter excessively.

What Happens if You Under-run Your Pool Filter?

On the other hand, if you don't run your pool filter for long enough, the water may become cloudy, dirty, and unsafe for swimming. This is because the filter will not have had enough time to remove all the dirt and debris from the water.

To avoid the pond-like appearance of dirty pool water, it is essential to run your pool filter adequately.

How to Determine How Long Your Pool Filter Needs to Run

To ensure that you run your pool filter for an adequate amount of time each day, you need to determine how long it takes to filter all the water in your pool.

To do this, you should calculate the pool's total water volume and then divide this by the rate of flow that your filter can achieve. This will give you the number of hours you need to run your pool filter to filter all the water.

Conclusion

Your pool filter is a crucial component of your pool. Therefore it is essential to maintain it regularly by running it regularly. The length of time your pool filter runs depends on multiple factors, including pool size, usage rate, and the filter's capacity. An adequately running pool filter will ensure that your pool water remains clear, clean, and safe for swimming.

Remember, if you're unsure when it comes to your pool filtration system, reach out to your local pool maintenance professional for assistance!