Determining Pump Run Time
The type of pump you need will depend on the size of your pool, the pump flow rate, how much debris has fallen into the pool and whether you have solar panels or not. Because every pool is different, you will have to determine this for yourself. It’s always been said that you should run the pump at least one turnover a day, but this isn’t a good indicator of actual pump run time.
There’s a lot to consider.
- First, you should add chlorine to obtain FC targets. If you are a TFPC pool owner, this is only 30 minutes of run time while you add chlorine for distribution. If you are a SWG pool owner, you will likely need much more run time depending on your unit’s capability.
- Second, pump run time keeps the pool free from debris – an aesthetic concern.
- Lastly, you should run the pump to heat up the pool -- optional but still a consideration.
Studies reveal that standard pools only need about four hours of run time for proper cleaning, chlorination, and circulation. You should start off with four hours of run time if you have a single speed pump and eight hours of run time if you have a pump that runs on lower speeds.
If this isn’t enough to keep your pool as clean as you like it, just gradually increase the pump run time until you get the results you desire.
There are some events where you should increase run time significantly, such as when opening the pool, installing a new pool, or if you have an algae problem. You should only reduce run time when your pool has been stabilized. Just remember that pump run time doesn’t prevent algae – you need the proper chlorine level to achieve that.
If you own a SWG, the SWG % setting must be changed whenever you change the pump run time in order to reach the FC target. As the water temperature rises, the chlorine extinction increases. This is why SWG % must increase as well as pump run time.
Also, chlorine extinction will increase with rising water temps, which means you will have to add more chlorine to the pool. This in turn will take more pump time. When the water temperature drops as the day turns into evening, chlorine extinction drops. As a result, you need to decrease how much chlorine you add and the frequency of pump run time.
We know it can be daunting to know just how often you should run your pump. Get in touch with Central Jersey Pools for more guidance.