Amount of Time to Run Your Pool Pump - The first thing to look at is how long your pump is running per day. If you do not own a timer, get one. Click here for our
pool timers. Swimming pool pumps should be run an average 8 hours a day to properly circulate and clean your water. The pump should push your entire pool in gallons in this 8 hour period of time. However, often times swimming pool pump horse power is overrated for their size swimming pool. If it is overrated your pump may be pushing your water through in a 6 hour period or even a 4 hour period of time. In this case you can reduce the time you run your swimming pool pump. According to Florida Power and Electric reducing a pool pump by 2 hours will save you about $10 per month. Here is the average monthly costs for the average 1 HP pump to run.
1 HP - 4 Hours = $21
1 HP - 6 Hours = $31
1 HP - 8 Hours = $41
A pool timer will help you keep your pump running the proper amount of time. Again, check your pool chemical balance if you see a drastic change revert back to the old amount of time your run your pool pump.
Click Here to View Replacement Pool Pump Timers
Jaiver Posted: 7/29/2020
Hi there. I am about to invest in a timer for my saltwater pool. However, I am not sure if I should put the chlorinator on the same timer. What would happen if I only connect the timer to the pump. Would this damage the chlorinator? Thanks.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/6/2020
The salt system has a flow sensor; this way, it will only turn on the cell when there is enough water to operate properly. Most setups I have seen have the chlorinator on the same circuit as the pump, to prevent and harm to the cell should a flow sensor fail.Reply
David Posted: 5/26/2020
Is it crazy to run the pump 24/7 during the winter so I don't have to close and open the pool?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/23/2020
I wouldn't call it crazy, but it is usually unnecessary. The chlorine demand in winter is very low as algae growth slows down significantly below 40 degrees F. If you are afraid of pipe bursts, then I would install a freeze protect so your pump only kicks on when air temp drops below whatever level you set it at.Reply
John Hubbard Posted: 4/11/2020
I have a Hayward Super Pump with a 1hp motor. My pool is about 12,000 gallons. I know I need to filter the water once a day, but I don't know what the flow rate is for the pump in order to figure that out. It is a saltwater system. I've been running the pump about 12 hours a day in the Alabama summer, and the chemistry has been fine with that amount of circulation, but could I get by with less? I would like to save some operating cost if I can.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/17/2020
We cover run times more thoroughly in this guide: How Long Should I Run My Pool Pump?Run times are going to vary with every pool because there are variables of feet of head which limits top-end flow rate, swimmer traffic, debris like pollen or leaves. But generally, a "test and see" method will help you dial in your run time. Try running your pool pump for ten hours a day for a couple of days. After those days, test your water and visually check to see if the water is cloudy or dingy. If the water looks clear, then you can decide if you want to knock it down to 8 hours a day test or keep it at 10.Reply
Mary Ward Posted: 10/3/2019
It's also cheaper to run your pump iif you have to run it for 8 hrs turn it on at 10 pm and run it till 6 am or if you only have to run it 6 12 to o 6 4 hrs 2-6 you get what I'm sayingReply
Darlene wittkofske Posted: 7/12/2019
can i leave pool cover on pool while running filterReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/16/2019
Yes, you can.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/2/2019
Is their any solar powered pool pump?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/2/2019
If your house runs off of solar panels, then technically it would be a solar powered pool pump. But is there pool pump that has built-in solar panels to power itself? There are some models out there, but I have not seen much in terms of reviews.Reply
Derek Posted: 7/1/2019
I have a 15x30x52 above ground pool holding roughly 14000 to 16000 gallons of water. Just changed liner and have hatward 2 speed pump running on low 24/7. Would it be possible or more effective to only run it 16hours a day?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/3/2019
This all depends on the chlorine demand of your pool; which varies on swimmer load, exposure to the sun, and types of debris like leaves and pollen. Essentially, the run time for your specific pool is just something you have to do a trial and error on. Run it for 16 hours for a couple of days and see how your water reacts. If the water looks good, consider taking the run down lower; or, if the water looks dingey, increase the run time a bit.Reply
Mike Posted: 6/18/2019
Is there a energy difference between 115 volt and 230 volts ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/19/2019
There are no energy savings to be had in choosing one voltage over the other.Reply
Vanno Posted: 2/8/2019
Great post!Reply
Josh B. Posted: 11/29/2018
I have an 8500 gallon rectangle pool with a Jandy VS pump in Central Florida with Salt system. I keep getting conflicting answers for run times, speeds, etc. The pool company and service groups told me I shouldn't go lower then 2800 RPM. I have it on for 8 hrs/day. I know I can move it to 6 hrs now that it's getting cooler but I feel like I can drop the RPMs too. I know there is 9.6 total dynamic head (28 feet from pool to pump). I've been getting my chemical levels tested and doing good (add a little something every once in a while). I just don't want to overdue my changes and mess it up. It seems easier to keep it good then all the horror stories when I'm at the pool store of people trying to get it good.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 11/29/2018
You should be able to drop the RPM's lower. However, you'll need enough flow to keep the salt system running. You can test the flow requirements by lowering the RPM's until you get a low flow signal from the salt system. Then kick the RPM's back up until the no flow message disappears. There may be a delay for the salt system to give you a proper flow reading. Pause a minute or so between each RPM change.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 11/12/2018
Hi I just moved into a property with a pool was told by the pool shop here in Alice Springs, Australia my pool is 56000 litres I have a lot of soot and dirt at the bottom of my pool we have a vacuum obviously left by last tenants we have put together the best we could when we start it it goes for like 1 minute then stops we have it on filter is there a reason for this when we moved in the oool was green we’re just got the water levels acid chlorine all that right just don’t know how to get rid of the spot on the bottom any adviceReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 11/15/2018
We'd recommend using a product called Extra Strength Stain Free. This is an industrial strength ascorbic acid. It does a great job of removing stubborn stains.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 6/22/2018
Hello Sonja - I would suggest keeping the chlorine level 1ppm higher than the current level. So if your chlorine is currently 2ppm, bump it up to 3ppm. Maintain the chlorine level and brush the walls weekly. That should prevent the yellow algae from building up on the walls.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 6/21/2018
Hello Fred - Unless the pump was incredibly undersized, you shouldn't need to run it all day. It's pretty hot in Florida and we do not run our pumps 24/7. Try running the pump 8 hours a day. You'll know if it's sufficient if your chlorine level is maintained and the pool stays clear.Reply
Fred Posted: 6/19/2018
I live in southern Wisconsin and bought a house with an unground pool last year. Both local pool supply businesses that I asked regarding how long to run the pump in my 26,000 gal. pool told me to leave it running all of the time. I have a sand filter. One person made reference to it needing to run all of the time because of where I live. I would love to not have it run all of the time and don't understand why they would tell me that it's not recommended. The pump was replaced a few years ago and I believe that it is a single speed pump.Reply
Sonja Posted: 6/18/2018
I have the pool pump running from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm ea day. I just tested the chlorine and the acid and they look fine however the sides of the pool always seem to gather a yellow large ring. Maybe the pool guy is not scrubbing the walls enough?? What do you suggest we need to do. Thank you for your answer.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 6/8/2018
Hello Peter - I would take the pins off the timer or wire the pump to the "line" side and use the built-in timer on the Intelliflo.Reply
peter ford Posted: 6/8/2018
I've just replaced my 1.5HP WhisperFlo pump with an IntelliFlo 3HP Pump. Should i leave the pins in my timer clock that turn the power to this pump off/on? Or should I let the pump's timer make that decision?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 5/8/2018
Hello Leo - We appreciate your input. However, there are way more benefits to running a variable speed pump longer hours on a lower speed. The energy savings is backed up by the Pump Affinity Law. Essentially, it states that the power consumption drops dramatically as the motor speed and water flow are decreased. A 1.65 HP variable speed pump will draw 1500 watts running at high speed, 3450 rpms. If you reduce that to 2100 rpms (not even half speed), the watts are 395. Also, running at lower speeds will extend the life of the filter and it will allow the filter to do a better job at cleaning the water.Reply
Leo Posted: 5/7/2018
Not necessarily true as far as having a bigger pump on a smaller pool you're pushing more water value in less time I have a small pool 18000 gallons I call it my pond but if you have a larger pump that's going to push more water Valium and last time the less you have to run it and if your pool chemicals are online the last time you use that pump during the week I used mine 4 to 3 days a week so instead of 8 hours I run my pump three to four hours a day provided your pools maintain and well-kept I rest my caseReply
Inyopools.com Posted: 5/3/2018
Hello Gail - It's beneficial to run the pump when the sun is on it because that is when the chlorine is getting burned up. However, it's ok to split up your run time and take advantage of being off peak hours. I would try your method of running it 4 hours in the morning and 4 in the evening. As long as the chlorine level is maintained and the pool looks good, you shouldn't have any problems.Reply
Gail Posted: 5/3/2018
We have a 15K gallon inground pool & running a Hayward single speed 1.5 hp pump. We live in OK, so the temps in the summer can get quite hot! Our electric company has a smart hours program. The hours that were charged more per kilowatt is between 2 to 7 pm. I'm trying to determine if I can run the pumps for 4 hours in the morning, then 4 hours after 7pm or does the pump need to run 8 hours straight? Should the pump be running during the hottest parts of the day? Thank!Reply
Inyopools Posted: 4/11/2018
Hello Bill - I would downsize the pump but not the filter. We would recommend something like the Pureline Prime model PL2605. It's a 1.65HP variable speed pump. Variable speed pumps are the most energy-efficient option. Check out this video for more details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YbKJCClL7oReply
Bill K. Posted: 4/9/2018
I have a 2 HP pump and a high rate pool filter designed for 62 GPM for a 18000 gal saltwater pool. My electric bills are through the roof when I open the pool. Should I downsize my pump size for my pool. If I downsize my pool pump, do I need to downsize my filter also?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/5/2018
Adam - As long as your pool looks clear, I'd say you're doing fine at the speed and runtime. While we are having cooler weather, you might even try reducing your speed a little more to see it that works too.Reply
Adam Posted: 3/3/2018
I have a variable speed pool pump and live in North Florida. I run at 60% for three hours a day. I keep my chemicals in check. My pool has stayed beautiful all winter. This is far below the 8-hour recommendation. Should I be concerned, so long as the water remains clear and their is no detectable algae (at least by feel and sight)? ThanksReply
Inyopools Posted: 10/22/2017
Lary - Most people run their pool 4-6 hours a day in the winter to prevent algae buildup. You could try running the pump every other day, but if you see the pool starting to turn green, you would have to go back to daily runs.Reply
Lary Posted: 10/19/2017
I have an average-size saltwater pool in Sacramento and it's not used during winter months (November-March). It gets cold during winter, but not freezing temperature cold. Question: Should I turn my pump off completely (will it damage the water?), or how long should I run the pump daily during winter months (while cold, but not freezing)? If I still need to run it, can I skip a few days weekly to preserve energy and extend motor life? Thank you!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/4/2017
Lush Life - Unless your power company offers lower rates at night, there is no special time of the day that's more efficient than another. Your objective is to filter all of the water in your pool and that can be done anytime.Reply
Lush Life Posted: 9/2/2017
Is is it more energy efficient to run my pool equipment at a specified time of the day. i.e. at night instead of the daytimeReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/30/2017
Anonymous (8 hrs/day) - Yes, you can break your 8-hour filtering cycle into two 4 hour segments. You just have to get the 8 hours in a 24 hour period.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/29/2017
Your recommendation is to run the pool pump for an average of 8 hrs. per day. Can the 8 hrs. be split into two 4-hour segments?Reply