how many hours should you run your pool filter

How many hours should you run your pool filter?

Owning a swimming pool can be an absolute joy, especially during warmer months. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, one of which is constantly running your pool's filter to keep the water crystal clear and free of harmful bacteria. Owning and maintaining a pool can be quite expensive, so it's understandable that most pool owners would want to keep operational costs to a minimum.

In this article, we'll answer the frequently asked question about how many hours you should run your pool filter, and include some tips on how can you reduce the cost associated with running your pool filter without sacrificing its effectiveness.

How many hours should you run your pool filter?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it depends on several factors, including pool size, usage frequency, and your geographical location. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Size Matters

The size of your pool directly impacts how many hours you should run your pool filter. If you have a small pool with a capacity of fewer than 10,000 gallons, it's recommended to run your pool filter for at least six hours a day. On the other hand, if you have a larger pool, say around 20,000 gallons, you will need to run your filter for at least 12 hours a day.

2. Location

The climate and geography of your region also affect the duration of time you need to run your pool filter. If you live in a hot and sunny location, then you'll need to run your pool filter longer than those located in cooler regions. The Northwest and Northeast regions of the United States, for example, require less pool filter run-time than those in the Southern regions.

3. Usage

The frequency of your pool usage also matters when estimating how many hours you should run your pool filter. If you're hosting multiple pool parties or frequently using your pool for exercise, then your pool filter will need to run for a longer time to keep up with the demand for clean and clear water.

4. Calculate Turnover Rate

To ensure that your pool water is not only clean but also healthy, it's recommended to calculate the turnover rate of your pool. Turnover rate refers to how many hours the water in your pool entirely filters through the circulation system. A standard turnover rate is at least once every day. So, to find out how many hours you need to run your filter, divide the pool's gallon capacity by the pump's rate.

5. Try Running the Filter During Off-Peak Hours

Pool filters need to run for long hours, which can add your utility bills. To save costs, try running your pool filter during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. Some utility companies offer discounts for customers who use electricity during these times, and the difference in the bill could be significant.

6. Automatic Timers

One surefire way to reduce the expenses associated with running your pool filter is by installing automatic timers. Automatic timers allow you to set the pool filter to run for specific hours without manually switching it off or on. You can pre-set the time so that it aligns with your usage frequency, pool size, climate, and turnover rate.

7. Match the Speed to Usage Frequency

Another great way to save money on pool filter operation is by switching up the speed of the water. Run the filter at high speed when in use and slow it down during idle times. Some filter systems come with adjustable speed pumps that can help you achieve this goal.

Conclusion

Knowing how many hours to run your pool filter is crucial for keeping the water clean and safe for swimmers. Factors like the size of your pool, usage frequency, and your location all play a significant role in determining the hours to run your pool filter. Remember, it's essential to make efficiency a priority and reduce the cost associated with running your pool filter without compromising effectiveness. It can save you a good amount of money in annual electricity expenses.