The pool pump is essential to help keep your pool water clear. That’s because moving water is less susceptible to contaminants commonly found in stagnant water. Circulation is key to preventing algae growth and keeping your water buoyant. Your pool’s filtering system and pump help create water circulation. The pump draws the water in and then pushes it back through the filter, trapping dirt and bacteria to return to clean water.
In an ideal world, you could run your pump all the time. That means 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. So you might think that the more often you run the pump, the cleaner your water will be. But think again: It may not be the best option to run your pump all the time. It’s better to determine the appropriate amount of time to filter your pool and run the pump only during those hours.
Running the Pool Pump, How Long Should it Be?
You should run your pool pump at least once a day if you want the pool water clean and clear. The “turnover rate” is the number of hours it takes for all the water in the pool to pass through the filter is called the “turnover rate.”
Every pool is unique. To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of your pool pump, you need to find out exactly what your pool’s turnover rate is. The most common rule is to run it for about eight hours, but depending on the size of your pool, it could be 6-12 hours.
How to Calculate the Flow Rate?
Flow rate is an essential criterion when choosing a pool filter pump. First, you need to determine the volume of your pool – or how many cubic feet of water your pool holds. If you do not have this information on hand, you’ll need to calculate the volume based on the shape of your pool.
The flow rate is the amount of water filtered at a specific time and expressed in m³/hour. You can calculate the flow rate once you know the volume of your pool. The calculation depends on water filtration in four hours to be more precise.
For example, if the volume of your pool is 48 m³, the amount of water that the filtration system must filter is 48÷4, or 12 m³/hour. If the volume of your pool is larger, for example, 80 m³, it will filter 80÷4, that is 20 m³/hour.
When to Run the Pool Pump?
Just as important as the run time of your pool pump is when you run it.
You know you need to circulate your pool’s water in 6-12 hours – but that does not mean you need to pump for 6-12 hours at a time. To save money on your electric bill, run your pool pump during off-peak hours when electricity costs the least. You can run it for three hours in the early morning and another five hours in the evening. Your electric company can tell you how they charge for electricity during peak and off-peak hours so that you can plan your pump schedule accordingly.
On the other hand, you should run your pump during the hottest and sunniest part of the day. When you run the pump, it counteracts the effects of the sun. The UV radiation will burn off the chlorine.
In addition to pumping every day, you should also run your pool pump whenever you add chemicals, so they distribute throughout the water evenly. Run the pump immediately after to ensure the spreading of chemicals properly, especially after shock treatment or simple routine chemical maintenance on your pool.
What Does a Variable Speed Pump do?
Do you always run your pump at full speed? Did you know that might not be necessary? Switching from a single-speed filter pump to a variable speed pump is an environmentally friendly upgrade that can result in energy savings.
Most pool owners discover the benefits of high-efficiency, variable-speed pumps over single- or even two-speed pumps. It saves energy, they are quieter and last longer. With multiple speed options, you can decide when you need more power for more intense filtration and when you can switch back to a lower, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly setting.
In reality, it’s not practical or necessary to run your pump all the time. As long as the water in your pool is running through the filter, it will stay clean and healthy.
However, keep in mind that running the pool pump longer than twelve hours can waste electricity and money. After all, you don’t want to wear out your pool equipment much faster than necessary.
Platinum Pools makes backyard dreams come true. With custom-designed pools and surrounding areas, technologically advanced equipment, beautiful materials, and exceptional craftsmanship, we make sure to turn that area into a special, quality pool environment that brings your family memories and happiness. Visit our website for more information about our services and ask for a free quote.