how often run pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Often Should You Run Your Pool Filter?

Having a pool is an excellent investment that can enhance the aesthetics of your backyard and also provide a way to cool off on hot summer days. However, with such a luxury comes the responsibility of proper maintenance to keep the pool water clear and safe for use. Running your pool filter plays a critical role in keeping your pool clean and healthy by removing debris and contaminants from the water. But how often should you run your pool filter? This article will answer that question and more.

Understanding the Importance of Running Your Pool Filter

The job of the pool filter is to circulate the water and remove debris such as leaves, insects, and dirt from the pool. The filter also helps to keep the water chemically balanced and prevent algae growth. It is vital to run the pool filter regularly to ensure that the water remains fresh and invigorating.

A pool filter that is not running regularly can cause algae growth, make the water cloudy and unsafe for swimmers. Running your pool filter also helps to prevent costly repairs to the pool equipment as they work efficiently when run regularly.

Factors that Determine How Often You Need to Run Your Pool Filter

Several factors influence how often you should run your pool filter, including:

1. Pool Size

The size of your pool plays an essential role in determining how long you need to run the pool filter. Generally, a larger pool requires running the pool filter longer than a small pool.

2. Pool Usage

If you use your pool regularly, you need to run the pool filter more often to keep the water clear and healthy. Conversely, if you do not use your pool frequently, you do not need to run the pool filter as often.

3. Location

The location of your pool is another factor that affects how often you need to run the pool filter. Pools located under trees and close to nature might require running the pool filter more often to remove debris and leaves that fall into the pool.

4. Weather

The weather also influences how often you need to run your pool filter. During hot and sunny weather, you need to run the pool filter longer to prevent the growth of algae, and during stormy weather, you might need to run the filter more often to remove debris.

5. Type of filter

The type of filter installed in your pool also determines how often you should run the pool filter. Some filters work more efficiently and require running for a shorter time than others.

How Often Should You Run Your Pool Filter?

The recommended running time for a pool filter is between 8 to 12 hours per day. However, the frequency of when you run your pool filter depends on the factors discussed above.

If your pool is in a location with high debris, you might need to run the pool filter for 12 hours per day. Still, if your pool is in a less debris-prone location, you might only need to run the filter for eight hours per day. In any case, it is crucial to keep the pool water circulating and filtered regularly to prevent the growth of algae and contaminants.

Tips for Efficiently Running Your Pool Filter

1. Keep the skimmer basket clean.

The skimmer basket catches all the large debris, so it is essential to check it frequently and remove any debris as it accumulates. This helps to reduce the work your filter has to do and extend the life of your filter.

2. Maintain the chemical balance.

Proper pool chemistry can help reduce the amount of work your pool’s filter pumps need to do. The chemical balance helps to keep the water clean and clear and keep the pool’s filter working efficiently.

3. Run the pool filter at night.

Running the pool filter at night allows the filter to work without interruption, and also helps to save on energy bills.

4. Keep up with maintenance.

Regular maintenance of your pool equipment will help keep your filter, pump, and other equipment running efficiently.

Conclusion

Running your pool filter is essential for clean and healthy pool water. The frequency of how often you need to run your pool filter depends on factors such as pool size, usage, and location. However, usually, running the pool filter between 8 to 12 hours is recommended. By following the tips mentioned above, you can make sure your pool’s filter is running at maximum efficiency and promoting crystal clear swimming water throughout the year.