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I have a few pump-related questions:
- Is it really necessary to run the pump 24/7?
- Are there any disadvantages to only running it for a few hours a day?
- What is the average monthly cost for operating a 12 amp pump 24/7?
My pump info is below in my sig.
You need to run the pump long enough to turn the water over each day. Typically we suggest running it about 8-10 hours per day and you can break that up into two four to five hour sessions if you like. I'm not sure about monthly costs. Somebody else may be able to give you some estimates about that.
I will tell you that you could get by on a much smaller pump than what you have. 1.5 hp is WAY too big for your pool and is paired with a much too small filter.
That pump is way too big for your pool but to answer your question about cost, from the Hayward site that pump is wired for 120 volts so assuming the 12 amps is the actual running current that is 120 x 12 = 1440 watts. Electricity is billed on a kilowatt-hour basis and that number can be found on your electric bill or from your power company. Probably on the order of 15 cents per KWh. The 15 cents is a WAG (Wild A-- Guess) and varies considerably on locality. So, the 1440 watts for 1 hour is 1.44 KWh so you can get a rough estimate on cost knowing how many hours you run it.
Hope this helps.
Al
Thanks for all the answers. I've been running it 24/7 but I may just run it at night from now on. Is chlorine loss greater on a pool that is being actively filtered or one sitting still?
I didn't have the option to break up the pump/filter combo. When I asked the question (about getting a smaller pump) to my sales person, I was told that was how it came.... Nonetheless, it is what it is now since the pool is installed. That thing will move some water, that's for sure. If it ever dies or I have any problems, I'll downgrade to a smaller pump.
I've never understood how Hayward can sell a unit that apparently has a pump too big for the filter. It only increases their chance of a warranty claim.
Carl