How Long to Run Pump?

[csevel]

A/G 8500 gallons or so. How long should I be running my pump per day if water is balanced? Are timers effective? Thanks...

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

If the pump and filter are properly sized for the pool then you probably need to run the pool 8-12 hours depending on temp, bather load, adding chems, etc. The timers are VERY useful so that you can 'set it and forget it' and also break up the run time or add a second set to run twice per day.

[csevel]

It's a 3/4-hp Jacuzzi 2-speed pump with a CFR-50 Cartridge Filter. Am I oversized for my 18' pool? :confused:

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

Did you buy it as a package? If so, don't worry it should be fine. Otherwise, based on the pump size (not familiar with filter) I don't think you are under-sized and should be fine with an 8 hr run time.

[traceyb]

is there a specific or special type of timer to get? Is it the same thing as the typical outdoor timers say.............for christmas lighting?

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

Tracy,
I am not sure about above-ground timers, perhaps post a new thread asking that question specifically... I know someone knows the answer.

[virangos]

I'm using an Intermatic model T-101 timer. Absolutely love it. No more remembering to turn the pool on,off,which did i do last and when.
The do come in different clock voltages so just get the right one for your application.
15 x 30 x 48 UG. I run about 4 hours in late morning and 6 hours through the late afternoon into the evening.

[traceyb]

Is this timer T-101 on an above ground pool?

[pool newby]

Traceyb,

I use this model from intermatic, which is suited for above ground pools. I have had mine for a couple of months and am very satisfied with it. Mine is set to come on from 7:30a-3:00 pm, and then from 7:30p-11:30p daily. Also got mine from electricsuppliesonline.

http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/inheduoutip1.html


Bob P
pool newby
E Tn

[traceyb]

Traceyb,

I use this model from intermatic, which is suited for above ground pools. I have had mine for a couple of months and am very satisfied with it. Mine is set to come on from 7:30a-3:00 pm, and then from 7:30p-11:30p daily. Also got mine from electricsuppliesonline.

http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/inheduoutip1.html


Bob P
pool newby
E Tn
If you don't mind me asking? Why do you run your pump for so many hours per day? I am a newbie for sure, haven't even gotten my pool installed yet, however I am self educating (or trying to) myself on this forjmum. It's working, but I thought it was only nec. for 8-10 hrs per day??

[pool newby]

Well, I've heard run time should be about 10-12 hours a day. I like to run in the evening to circulate the chemicals that I add. I could probably cut down a bit, but so far....it really hasn't added up much in electric bills, and it really helps keep floating debris keep sucked in to the skimmer basket, instead of getting water logged and sinking, requiring me to vacuum or manually use the skimmer net.

[tenax]

tracy, i think a lot of people believe in 2 "turnovers" per day for maximum filtering. i do 2 -6 hour turnovers per day on my 15,800 gallon pool based on figuring out what my turnover rate is.

[hancop]

Why not run it 24/7, that is what all my friends do, and that is what I plan to do when they install my pool in the next 2 weeks.

[tenax]

nothing says you can't run it 24/7..but i prefer to put the money for cost above what's necessary into beer:)

[gpshemi]

Holy moly that's alot of filter time. I fire mine up for a couple hours every day. That's it. I suppose it depends on how much your filter pushes through. My pump & filter are rated for 90gpm. So that's nearly 5400 gallons an hour. I figure in two hours I've rotated the pool at least once. That should do it I think unless it gets really outa wack.

gpshemi

[joliecharlie]

We run ours 24/7 all year. I tried running it less last summer using timers but saw little to no charge in our power bill. It also keeps the pool much cleaner as far as debris, to have it running.

[gpshemi]

Then your not looking close enough or you have a two speed motor. Cuz my motor is like 15 amps. That will raise you bill 24 a day enough to where you'd certainly see it....

Even half that you should see....

[traceyb]

I understand ............. I suppose I'll start w/ the 2 cycles about 6 hrs a day too. Makes sense to run it in two cycles rather than one. I don't think I'm gonna be running 24/7 though............I guess we'll see what the water does when I get the darn thing and go from there. If it needs it all day every day........itll get it.
Thanks for helping me understand the whys and hows.

[hrsdennis]

One more thought about filter running time. Correct me if I am wrong but this is what I was told. If you have any water clarity or algae proplems run your filter 24/7 until your problem is gone.

Aside from that, 10 - 16 hours a day seems the norm, two cycles being the best. Increase and decrease running time with daytime temperature. When it gets over 110 here in Az. the filters need to run a little longer.

Later, Dennis

[gpshemi]

It all really depends on the size of the pump. I have a 90gpm pump and an 8500gallon pool.

Running a 15 amp motor 24 hours a day would be (1800watts x 24hrs x 30 days) = 1296000watt hours or 1296kwh. At 11 cents a kwh that's roughly $142 a month extra. You'll notice it. Even a two speed motor if you cut that amperage to 25% (3.5amps) you should see $35-40 difference. At todays prices I can't afford to filter that long. Not to mention that my pump would be rotating my pool like 13 times over per day if I ran it 10 hours a day. It doesn't need that.

Assuming it stays in line chemically, a few hours a day max.

[traceyb]

all right guys........the new 30' pool at 52" is up and running. It looks great. I am finally a forum guest WITH a pool. I was wondering if I should be running the pump and filter 24/7 initially or is 12-14 hrs a day ok? The chemicals are slowly being adjusted and the only thing so far (in 3 days post fill) is that the chlorine level needs to be drastically higher. so with that I wasn't sure when I should start the shorter running time. Thanks all!

[CJDahl]

I just opened up my newly installed IG pool. I was wondering how long I need to run this early in the season? I have chemically balanced water and my pump sized to do a turnover every 5.5 hours. Water & air temperature is only around 60 degrees. Also sounds like many are filtering two cycles per day instead of one. What is the optimal? Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[tenax]

i like 2 turnover cycles of 5 to 6 hours each depending on pool, pump and filter size. that works for me and gives me a cycle in the evening where i can tweak chemicals as necessary and still give them a full turnover cycle. (i.e. the bleach i've been putting in for past 2 days..a couple of jugs in the morning at start of the cycle, then when i get home tonight at 5, i'll put some more in and have the next cycle start.) once you get in season, you may want to adjust your cycles due to having a pump heater running for example (if you need that in your area)

[Jeffski]

I have noticed a huge difference in water cleanliness and clarity by running the pump 24/7 compared to 10-12 hours a day last year. Therefore I would highly recommend 24/7 for the first 2 weeks after opening until your pool is clean and balanced and then try backing off some.

[TJNav]

I usually run my pump on a timer 13 to 15 hours a day in 2 blocks. Generally 10am-8pm then 2am-6am. I like the pump on when we're swimming to take advantage of the water being stirred up. Also, I test and add chlorine when I get home in the evening (while the pump is on) to get the most benefit before the sun eats it up.

Tom


40,000 gal
IG Vinyl

[CJDahl]

Assuming I turn over my pool in twice in 12 hours should I divide pump operation evenly over 24 hours (e.g. on one hour/off one hour) , or am I better off running during the day in 2 x 6 hour hours during the day and 12 hours off at night ? Is there any advantage to running during the day versus at night (assuming at this point no one is in the pool). (I can turn on/off infinite number of times with home automation).
thanks !!

[Trimom]

I run my pump 24/7 - but our electic rate is about $.05 kwh - so I honestly don't notice much of a difference in the bill. Now our winter heating electric bill is another story...

I just really like how the water stays nice and sparkly with the constant filtration.

[NWMNMom]

Mine runs during the day to push water through the solar panels. If I run at night, it cools off the pool. I prefer to add heat and keep what I have so don't run after dark. It does run for 2 hrs in the evening for chemical additions but otherwise the timer is set to get max sun heat.