Does the pool filter need to be on all the time?

The water must be circulating so the chemicals get distributed throughout the water. You can — and should — add pool shock at night, though. The sun can burn shock off during the hot daytime hours, but you still need to have the pump running to circulate the water.

How often should you run your pool filter?

You should run your pool pump and filter at least once a day to ensure you get proper filtration. Whether you have an inground pool, permanent above ground pool or portable above ground pool like an Intex, Summer Waves or Best Way pool, you'll want to run your pump daily and on average for 8 hours.

How often should pool pump run?

Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day.

Should you turn your pool filter off at night?

It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.

How long should a filter stay on in a pool?

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.

How Often You Should Run Your Pool Filter

Should I run my pool pump during the day or night?

It is best to run your pool's pump during the day when the sun is out to reduce the risks of algae bloom and because there is generally more debris and contaminants that will enter your pool in the day.

Should pool pump run continuously?

Only while it is active can the filter be effective at removing dirt. Therefore, you should ideally run your pool pump for as long as possible to ensure your swimming pool stays clean and healthy. However, the reality for many pool owners is that we simply can't afford to have a pool pump running continuously.

What is the best time of day to run a pool pump?

The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.

Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?

A Rule of Thumb

Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.

Can you swim with pool pump on?

Many of the INTEX pump/filters are NOT UL rated and you should not swim with them plugged in. They do have one or two that are UL rated and can be left on while swimming. Just about all other pool equipment brands can be used while you are in the pool when properly installed.

Should I turn off pool pump when raining?

If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.

How many hours a day should you run your pool pump in the winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.

How much does it cost to run a pool pump 24 hours a day?

12 cents per kWh = 4.97 per day to operate the pool pump. Now if you are running the same pump, but with 230 Volt, the cost will be 2.49 per day.

Should I leave my pool cover on during the day?

In dry and/or windy conditions, the evaporation rate of the pool increases. Therefore, it is generally beneficial to have a transparent or bubble cover on during daylight hours. In warm, humid conditions the evaporation rate decreases. In this case, it may be more beneficial to leave the cover off during the daytime.

What is the best time to run a pool filter?

For energy efficiency best time to run the pool's filtration system is during off-peak hours when the electricity demand is lower. This time is typically between 8 p.m. - 10 a.m. Also, to warm the pool you can run it during the day, to cool it at night.

Can you keep a pool clean without a pump?

Stagnant, still water is a breeding ground for gunk. Keeping your pool clean requires keeping the water moving and circulating. If you still have electricity, you can use a robotic pool cleaner or a submersible pump to clean, move and circulate the water. If you are without power, grab your pool brush!

How long should you wait to swim after adding chlorine?

Liquid chlorine — In general, it's a good idea to wait at least four hours after putting liquid chlorine in the pool. The size of your pool and the amount of chlorine added does play a factor in this, too. Once your levels reach 5 ppm or lower, you're ready to swim.

How many hours should I run my pool pump in the summer?

So how long should the average pool pump run during the summer? To make this process simple, it easier for homeowners to follow this basic guideline: for every 10 degrees of outdoor temperature run your pump for one hour. So if the average temperature is 60 degrees, run your pump for 6 hours.

What speed should I run my pool pump?

If you are running your pool pump to filter and turn your water over, we recommend using the middle and lower speed settings. For example, for the first few days, you might run the pump at 2500 RPMs to see what your pool looks like. Next, you might dial it down to 1600 RPMs.

How long should above ground pool filter run?

Run the circulation system one (1) hour for every 10°F of air temperature. Example: If it is 100°F, the pump should run 10 hours a day minimum. Of course, if the pool is full of algae or a major weather event has occurred, the pump may need to run for 24 hours until the water clears.

Does an above ground pool pump use a lot of electricity?

Pool pumps of both styles use a lot of electricity, so it would be in your best interest to install a dedicated circuit for your above ground pump. This means your pool pump won't be competing for electricity with other appliances in your house and you won't be constantly blowing breakers.

How many chlorine tablets do I put in my pool?

Add one tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water and always round up. For example, if your pool has 21,000 gallons of water, add five tablets per week. If it has 8,000 gallons, use two tablets.

What causes a cloudy pool water?

There are three main causes for cloudy pool water: poor filtration, chemical imbalances, or environmental factors like nearby construction, trees, or wildlife. Filter and pump problems can be caused by a range of issues. If the system is run for just a few hours each day, it may not be able to clean the entire pool.

Should I turn my pool pump off in winter?

Even if you have your pool covered, some debris may still get in it during the winter. For this reason, you should consider running your pump on occasion whenever the outdoor temperature is between 35 and 65 degrees. Around four to six hours should be sufficient to remove debris and help promote good circulation.