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
Anonymous Posted: 7/21/2015
Pool is 12,500 gallons, have a Hayward EcoStar Variable pump, at what speeds and how long should my pump run?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/12/2015
msfields - Most pool owners run their pumps about 8-10 hours a day during the swimming season.Reply
msfields Posted: 7/10/2015
Hi...We're new pool owners & have a 33 ft round above ground & it uses approximately 27,000 gallons...We have a 1.5hp Pentair Dynamo pump & sand filter...We live in Ky & our temps average between 90-100 with high humidity...We're wanting to put our pump on a timer to help conserve electricity, so what would you suggest the times & intervals to run it?...Thanks!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/7/2015
will - For your 12,500 gallon pool, I would recommend a 1HP Full Rated Energy Efficient (EE) pump like the Hayward Super 2 EE Pump 1 HP Single Speed. EE will save you 20% in operating costs. Your filter is way too large but that does not matter on filters. It just means you will not have to clean it as often and the cartridge will last longer.Reply
will Posted: 7/4/2015
I have an in ground pool that is only 12,500 gallons but has a pentair Clean and Clear 200 cartridge filter as well as a pretty large hayward pump. What size pump and filter would you recommend?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/24/2015
torker - Unfortunately, we do not maintain lists of solar panel sources.Reply
torker Posted: 6/24/2015
solar panels people!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2015
learning pool owner - I would recommend a smaller 1 1/2 HP VS pump for your size pool, like the Hayward Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pump. This model has a built in timer. With a single speed motor, you generally run the pump 8 hours to turn over the pool water at least once a day. With a VS pump, you will run your pump at half speed for 16 hours. Seems like your aren't saving any energy, but even though you are running twice as long, when you drop to half speed, you greatly reduce water friction and energy use is dropped to 12%. Most people use a suction cleaner like The Pool Cleaner 2 Wheel Cleaner with good success. Generally people test their pool water every 1-2 weeks depending on use and heat. I have found the test strips to be sufficiently accurate with a trip to the local pool store every month or so to make sure I'm reading the strips accurately. Most pool store will test your water for free. For more general or specific information on pools, see our “How To Guides” section and scroll down the middle of the page to the category of interest.Reply
learning pool owner Posted: 6/17/2015
Hello there,I would greatly appreciate any advice. We have owned a pool for almost 3 years now but were financially unable in the first few years to properly care for our pool, I want to change that now.
We have an in-ground 20,000 gal pool with a newer sand filter and a VERY old single speed pump that needs to be replaced. We basically never run the pump as it doesn't do anything useful other than give a horrendous electricity bill. I know of course that that is bad for the pool and water so I've been looking around for good pool pumps. We would like a variable speed pump that performs well but isn't necessarily the most expensive one. Any recommendations? How much hp?
And from what I've been reading here we are supposed to run the pump for about 8 hours? Does the water need to be turned over once or more?
Do we need a cleaning system like a robot? We only have those things that rotate the water, no pop-up cleaning system.
How often do you recommend testing the water? Any thoughts on a good water testing kit? I was looking at the Taylor K-2006, but maybe that's too much.
Thank you in advance, I would greatly appreciate any advice!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/9/2015
ShirleyStarr - I would try running your pool at night. All you are trying to do is run all you pool water through the filter once a day. Generally takes 8 hours. As long as you do this daily, if shouldn't matter when you do it.Reply
ShirleyStarr Posted: 6/9/2015
My pool guy is insistent on running the pump during the day when it is hottest As I live in AZ and it goes up to 110 deg in middayHowever my electric company told me the electric bill will be highest for me during peak electric use and that I should run pump during night from 9 pm to 6 am
He insists daytime due to fear of algae
I have new pepple tec pool with new lower HP motor
What do you think?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/30/2015
Rico - I guess it depends on how much movement there is in the water. If people are swimming in the uncovered half, the other two sections might ride up on each other. You might try Velcroing the sections together to be able to help keep the pieces in place, yet making it easy to take apart.Reply
Rico Posted: 5/28/2015
Just read that the bubble material over a pool to save evaporation can actually be cut in say 4 quarters to ease removal of just part of the pool or cover only half. My question: do the parts left stay where placed while the water is moving or circled with the action of the filter pump operation ? do they really stick to the water where first placed and not overlap with the other parts when returned ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/9/2015
time of day to run pump - Operationally it does not matter. However, I would recommend running it during the day in case something goes wrong with the system.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/8/2015
When is the best time to run the pump. Night or during the day.Thanks
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 4/28/2015
Cathy - I would recommend you stay with the pump that comes with the package. Larger is generally not better and the package pump will be matched to the GPM water flow that the filter can handle.Reply
Cathy Posted: 4/28/2015
I am looking into buying a 24 ft above ground pool and ran across this site. Very helpful information. My question is....I had decided to upgrade to the package with the larger pump thinking it would mean less maintenance but after reading here that a pump can be too large....what is the best size pump for a 24 foot pool? ThanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 12/15/2014
Erik A – If you can tie the piping currently going to the three motors, to one motor, you will see a considerable savings by using a VS pump. See our guide on “How to Save Money Using a Variable Speed Motor” for more information.Reply
Erik A Posted: 12/12/2014
I presently have a 3 pump system pool. 1 for pool water(1.5 HP), 1 for pop up cleaning system (1HP) and 1 for water fall feature (1HP). I am being told by a pool repairman that I could save more $ if I keep using the 3 pumps than if I replace with a new VSP (Pentair or Hayward). I am getting confused!!! Anyone knows what could be the best alternative???Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/23/2014
AG Pool Pump - Yes, an AG pool pump operates with gravity gravity fed water. To operate efficiently the AG pool pump must be installed below the surface of the pool - generally at the bottom of the pool.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/23/2014
Is it beneficial for the pump and filter system to be lower than the pool on an above ground pool?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/3/2014
winterblues - Your energy bill is not going to triple if you run your pump 24/7 for two weeks. I would suspect your house heating cost during the winter has a bigger role.Reply
winterblues Posted: 7/30/2014
We want to buy a house with a large pool 30x15x8ft to 3ft fiberglass. The electricity bill triples in the winter. We live in Dallas, TX, so we have about 2 wks of freezing temperatures. The current family said it was because the pump has to run 24/7 to keep from freezing. It is not a new pump. Does this make sense?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/25/2014
techie - Not sure what your question is. If you mean can I automatically set up a pump to run during off peak times of the day when electricity might be cheaper, yes, use a timer.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/25/2014
hernana70 - Suggestions from easiest (cheapest) to harder: 1- reduce the run time of your pump to no more than 8 hrs - less if your pool stays clear; 2- hook your pump up to a timer so timing is automatic; 3- change your motor to an Energy Efficient motor - uses less amperage and saves 20% on operating costs; 4- change your motor to a 2 speed motor - saves more than 25& on operating costs; 5- change your motor to a variable speed motor - can save up to 80%.Reply
techie Posted: 7/24/2014
are there devices in the market that run a pool pump based on time of use electricity pricing? are there systems I can look into? thanks.Reply
hernana70 Posted: 7/24/2014
I just moved into a house that has a 15.000 gallon fiberglass salt water pool. I am slowly learning how to balance the chemicals and now am concerned on how to efficiently run the pump and all it's electrical systems. My electric bill was over $400 this month and I live in Houston, TX. I know it has to be the pool. I think I was running the pump 24hrs for several days. Please advise on what I can do to cut back on my costs.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/17/2014
Derek - I would go with the VS pump if you can. The EE pump saves about 20% in operating costs but the VS pump can save up to 75%. The VS pumps are designed better for efficiency and durability and can last 2-3 times the life of a standard pump. See our guide on "How to Save Money Using a Variable Speed Motor".Reply
Derek Posted: 6/16/2014
Hello I currently have a 3/4hp pentair whisperflow pool that is almost 10 years old. I want to upgrade any save money on utilities with either a 3/4 hp hayward tristar EE model or a hayward tristar variable speed model. I am worried that the vs model will have more computer/electrical issues down the road and am wondering if i should just get the energy efficient model? And lastly, what is the installation cost of a new pump? ThanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/4/2014
Pool Newbie - Yes that is the device that can automatically turn your pump on and off during the day. Here is a link to its "Owner's Manual".Reply
Pool Newbie Posted: 6/3/2014
I am a new homeowner with an in-ground pool. I have read a lot about pump timers, and I'm not sure if I have one. There is an INTERMATIC PF1103T on the wall by the equipment, but no green/red plug things. It says it is a Time Control with Freeze Protection. Is this what I would use to control when the pump runs? Since I had the pool opened, it has run 24/7, and I'm afraid of the sticker-shock when I get my first electric bill. I can't even find an on/off switch on the pump. I believe it is a Whisperflo? I also have a Polaris robotic vac with a scrubby thing on the end. Haven't been running that lately, as the pool has been crystal clear. Any comments/suggestions would be most appreciated!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/20/2014
Joe - Most customers run their pumps 8-10 hours a day on a timer. It has no adverse effect on the pump motor. They are designed to stop and go. You might consider getting a 1 1/2 HP motor for your size pool. And look at the Energy Efficient pumps for a 20% savings in operational costs.Reply
Joe Posted: 5/19/2014
We have a 20,000 gal in-ground pool and will finally be replacing the pump this Summer. We are replacing with the same pump, a Hayward 1HP Super Pump. We do not use our pool that much during the Summer months and would like to cut down on the cost of running the pump system during the day. We have always ran the system 24/7 but I have read that most pool filter systems really only need to run 8-10 h/day. My question is if we put in a timer to run in on/off cycles, will this constant start/stop cycling damage the motor (or void a warranty) or mess-up the filtering system? Thank You.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 2/21/2014
reggie - Several factors make up your pool operational costs. Assuming your electrical cost is 13.5 cents/KWh and your 1.5 HP pump is using 1.5 KWs /hour, that's 20 cents per hour. If you run your pump for 8 hours a day, that's $1.60 per day or $48 /month. Running 4 months gets you to $192 per season. An EE pump can save you 20% in operating costs. 20% of $192 is $38. A 1.5 HP EE pump can cost $550. At a savings of $38 /season, it would take you $550/$38 or 14.5 years to justify a new pump. Wait till your current pump breaks.Reply
reggie Posted: 2/16/2014
Hello,I currently have a 1 1/2 HP single speed Haywood power-flo LX pump for my 13,500 gallon above ground pool. I live on Long Island ( N.Y.) and I only run my pool for 4 months a year.
Would it be worth the investment to buy an energy efficient pool pump ? How long would the payback time be ? Thank You
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 11/2/2013
PandO - How long you run your pump varies. It depends on the time it takes to run all of the water in your pool thru the filter which is determined by the size of your pool and the size of your pool's pump. Like you indicate, most people cut the run time in half during the winter because it's too cold for algae to grow substantially. Finally, when you run your pump is generally by convenience. Your goal is to maintain correct chemical levels over time. As long as your circulation system is replenishing chemicals, mainly chlorine, on a daily basis, it does not matter if you run during the day or at night.Reply
PandO Posted: 10/31/2013
Seems like almost none, or none, of responders don't say what time of day they run their pool pumps. I assume the best time for algae prevention is the warm part of the afternoon, like the middle 6-10 hours of sunlight time, varying from 10 in mid-summer to 6 in mid-winter.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 10/29/2013
Jun - I'm not sure what you mean by "without changing any electrical connection". Anytime you replace a motor or pump you will have to rewire the motor. If you change out the whole pump, you will probably also have to adjust the plumbing to the pump. The Pentair 3/4 HP EE pump is p# 011512. If you want to replace just the motor, p# is B661. The Pentair Variable Speed Pump p# is 011018. It adapts to any HP requirement 1/2 to 2.5 HP. A good alternative smaller Variable Speed motor for 1.5 HP and below is the Hayward Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pump just out p# SP2600VSP.Reply
Jun Posted: 10/27/2013
I have 1hp pentair sf n1 1a which I want to replace with 3/4hp either variable speed or ee pump to reduced energy consumption (6hrs/day $95/mo in Ca). Pool size is 14'x28'x3'4"-6' Grecian vinyl with 92"dia spillover spa. Pls advise the appropriate model/brand compatible without changing any electrical connection. Thanks a lot.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/20/2013
George - An 8 hour run is typical for most pools, but if you want to set it back to 6 hours, that's easy enough. Assuming you have a separate external timer, see our guide on "How to Program an Intermatic T100 Series Timer" for instruction on how to set a common timer. It sounds like too much water is being diverted to the pool return jets. You may want to look at opening up some of the other return diverter valves. If your automatic floor cleaner is the system with pop up ports off the floor, you might look at opening up the flow to those ports. See our guide on "How To Set Up Pool Diverter Valves For Pool, Spa, Water Features" for instructions on setting up diverter valves. If your automatic floor cleaner is a self-contained cleaning unit, its operation is independent of your pool circulation system.Reply