I run mine from 10am to 8pm this time of year to cover the hot part of the day (in Texas, very hot). Pool has been sparkling so I guess this is working. During the winter, I run it about 4 hours a day in the afternoon. If you are in a very warm to hot climate, you want to run it when the water is the warmest to keep things circulating. Oh, I also run my Polaris 3 hrs a day in the summer and 1-2 hours a day in the winter. We do not technically close our pool in the winter. No need.