Pool Pumps: The Best Time to Run Your Pump

There’s nothing more refreshing than jumping into your crystal-clear pool on a hot summer day. When your pool becomes cloudy or algae-filled, it can be stressful, frustrating, and just a major pain. Knowing the best time to run your pump can help reduce your worries and increase your family’s fun in the sun!

There’s nothing more refreshing than jumping into your crystal-clear pool on a hot summer day. When your pool becomes cloudy or algae-filled, it can be stressful, frustrating, and just a major pain. Knowing the best time to run your pump can help reduce your worries and increase your family’s fun in the sun!

Pool pumps and skimmer systems work to keep pools clean and free from algae and other debris. If a pump is running enough, all the water should filter and circulate through. If proper cleaning and maintenance procedures are being followed, then running the pump should be enough to keep the chemicals circulating and the debris and other matter at bay. Let’s look at how long to run your pump for and what time of day works best.

How long should I run my pump for?

Pool and pump sizes largely influence the duration of time that a pump should run for. Other factors include:

• What type of pump do you have?
• Is the pool covered when not in use or exposed?
• The number of plants and organic matter around your swimming pool.
• The season and climate.
• How often your pool is used.
• Hygiene of swimmers- do they shower off or just jump on in?

Pumps need to run for longer times when they are:

• Let open and exposed
• Surrounded by plants/ trees or lakes
• In hot climates
• Frequently used.

A pool pump is intended to allow all water to filter through, circulating all chemicals through and enhancing their ability to perform while reducing the number of algae and debris present. All the above factors influence the function of the pump, so times may need to be increased or maybe decreased as needed. So, how do you know how much time is enough? 

Your pump size should directly relate to your pool size. The volume of your pool (in gallons) can be calculated by knowing the shape and length of your pool and using the following formulas:

• Rectangular: length x width x 7.5 gallons
• Circular: diameter x diameter x depth x 5.9 gallons
• Oval: length x width x 5.9 gallons

Run with Efficiency

• Increase the lifespan of your pump, decrease your electricity costs, and maximize efficiency by following proper cleaning and maintenance routines.
• Cover your pool when not in use
• Use proper chemicals and keep the water balanced
• Vacuum, skim, and brush your pool to remove debris
• Empty straining baskets daily to reduce risk of clogs
• Install (or set) a timer to automatically have the pump run several times a day in short intervals rather than all at once.