Do you have your filter on a timer?

[JimK]

I don't have a pool yet. I'm in the process of researching an 18 foot round above ground pool. My husband and I are wondering how long a filter needs to be run in the summer. While we were doing research in the local pool store today, we heard a few customers mention that they have their pool filters on a timer. Do most people put the filter on a timer? If so, how long is it set for? Or is it better to run it 24 hours?
Thanks! This is a great forum.

I use a timer and wouldn't want to do without one; one less thing to have to remember. During the season I run it about 14 hours a day; I find this is long enough to keep the pool clean and allow the SWCG enough time to maintain chlorine levels (note that I have a 20k gal IG pool).

[Phillbo]

Intermatic timer. I run 7-11pm and then 7-12am ...

[AnnaK]

Intermatic timer hardwired into my breaker box. Runs from 10 PM to 4 AM each night because the rates are 50% less. I have a 2 speed pump and run it on low speed which means it takes just 1/4 or so of the electrical power. I cannot tell in the summers that my pool pump is added to the load because the A/C uses ever so much more power. I run the pump on low speed for an hour or so after a swim session to skim the dog hair off the surface. The timer has definitely improved my life. I don't have to remember to do yet another thing

[famousdavis]

Our pool builder didn't even offer a pool without a timer -- it's just assumed that the homeowner would want to use a timer, and I see why -- it's just one less thing to remember, one less thing to do. Ours runs 8 hrs a day, all months of the year (I'll run the filtration system if we're swimming after 4pm when the timer shuts off the pump). I'm experimenting with how low I can run the variable speed pump and still maintain crystal clear water. Last summer I ran the pump @ 2750rpms. I started this summer running it at 2000 rpms, and just now dropped it to 1800 rpms. I probably won't go lower than 1800 rpms, as that's running the pump at about half-speed.

[392papa]

I run my filter 24/7 is this bad?

[aylad]

It's not necessarily bad...it's just an unnecessary expense to pay the electricity!

If you can turn your pool's water volume over in 8-10 hours or so, then why pay the extra electric to run the pump the other 14-16 hours?

Janet

[392papa]

Thanks, Ill have to do some calcs to figure out how much its costing me

[drband]

I run my filter 24/7 is this bad?

No, it's not "bad" but it costs you a great deal more in electricity.

I have a 2-speed-converted 1 hp superpump that I run only on low 24/7. It's as cheap as running a regular speed pump on 8 hours of timer. Definitely use a timer if you don't have a 2-speed or variable speed. You might even want to do so if you have a low speed option, though most of the saving comes from getting off the high speed pump. I use a standard intermatic pump timer when I choose to run the pump on a schedule-- never have to worry about it!

[392papa]

Drband,

What did you have to do to convert you pump to a 2 speed? Just change out the motor?