Do you have your filter on a timer?

[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

[famousdavis]

You might be surprised, not only in how much electricity you're using (unless you're using a variable speed pump at a very low rpm setting), but also in the expedited equipment maintenance/replacement costs, too.

I'm trying to find the optimal setting of pump on-time, pump rpms, chlorine production (I've got a SWCG), typical bather load, and resulting water clarity and quality. Even if I'm not at the absolute optimal setting, I'm pretty darn close to it.

[392papa]

I looked at variable speed pumps last year when my 1-1/2HP motor burned up. Being in southern OH I could not justify it for my 12-14 week swimming season. When I have to replace the pump I will take another look.

That said you guys have me thinking I am throwing money away by running 24/7.

I am sure I would have to make adjustments to my chlorine feeder(3" tri-chlor tabs).

Can you think of any other potential problems I should watch for?

[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?

[drband]

Drband,

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

Just changed out the motor. The impeller works just fine. Be sure to change all the seals if you do this! There are a couple of ways to wire this though. I opted for a motor mounted toggle switch for hi/off/low, since I primarily run on low except for vacuuming. You can wire it for an external 2-speed controller (expensive) or for an external switch (I believe it's called a single-pole double-throw switch) that works like the motor switch. You can still use an intermatic timer with that type of switch. Good luck.