How Long to Run Pump?

[traceyb]

I understand ............. I suppose I'll start w/ the 2 cycles about 6 hrs a day too. Makes sense to run it in two cycles rather than one. I don't think I'm gonna be running 24/7 though............I guess we'll see what the water does when I get the darn thing and go from there. If it needs it all day every day........itll get it.
Thanks for helping me understand the whys and hows.

[hrsdennis]

One more thought about filter running time. Correct me if I am wrong but this is what I was told. If you have any water clarity or algae proplems run your filter 24/7 until your problem is gone.

Aside from that, 10 - 16 hours a day seems the norm, two cycles being the best. Increase and decrease running time with daytime temperature. When it gets over 110 here in Az. the filters need to run a little longer.

Later, Dennis

[gpshemi]

It all really depends on the size of the pump. I have a 90gpm pump and an 8500gallon pool.

Running a 15 amp motor 24 hours a day would be (1800watts x 24hrs x 30 days) = 1296000watt hours or 1296kwh. At 11 cents a kwh that's roughly $142 a month extra. You'll notice it. Even a two speed motor if you cut that amperage to 25% (3.5amps) you should see $35-40 difference. At todays prices I can't afford to filter that long. Not to mention that my pump would be rotating my pool like 13 times over per day if I ran it 10 hours a day. It doesn't need that.

Assuming it stays in line chemically, a few hours a day max.

[traceyb]

all right guys........the new 30' pool at 52" is up and running. It looks great. I am finally a forum guest WITH a pool. I was wondering if I should be running the pump and filter 24/7 initially or is 12-14 hrs a day ok? The chemicals are slowly being adjusted and the only thing so far (in 3 days post fill) is that the chlorine level needs to be drastically higher. so with that I wasn't sure when I should start the shorter running time. Thanks all!

[CJDahl]

I just opened up my newly installed IG pool. I was wondering how long I need to run this early in the season? I have chemically balanced water and my pump sized to do a turnover every 5.5 hours. Water & air temperature is only around 60 degrees. Also sounds like many are filtering two cycles per day instead of one. What is the optimal? Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[tenax]

i like 2 turnover cycles of 5 to 6 hours each depending on pool, pump and filter size. that works for me and gives me a cycle in the evening where i can tweak chemicals as necessary and still give them a full turnover cycle. (i.e. the bleach i've been putting in for past 2 days..a couple of jugs in the morning at start of the cycle, then when i get home tonight at 5, i'll put some more in and have the next cycle start.) once you get in season, you may want to adjust your cycles due to having a pump heater running for example (if you need that in your area)

[Jeffski]

I have noticed a huge difference in water cleanliness and clarity by running the pump 24/7 compared to 10-12 hours a day last year. Therefore I would highly recommend 24/7 for the first 2 weeks after opening until your pool is clean and balanced and then try backing off some.