There is no single right number of hours. The schedule that keeps one pool clear will leave another green or waste money on a third. It depends on the pool, the pump and the time of year.
What Decides It
- The size of the pool and how much water has to pass through the filter.
- The pump: its size, and whether it is single-speed or variable-speed.
- The season. A pool needs far more circulation in a Texas summer than in January.
- How much the pool is used, and how much debris falls in it.
- Extras that depend on flow, such as a heater, a salt system or a pool cleaner.
What Goes Wrong With the Wrong Schedule
Too little run time and the water isn't filtered or sanitized evenly. That shows up as cloudy water, then algae, usually in the hottest weeks of the year. Too much run time on an older single-speed pump shows up on your electric bill and wears the motor out sooner.
Why Variable-Speed Pumps Change the Answer
A variable-speed pump can run for many more hours at low speed while using a fraction of the power, which gives better filtration for less money. The savings only appear if the speeds and schedule are set up for your particular pool. Left on factory settings, many of them run faster and cost more than they need to.
Getting It Set Right
We work out the schedule from your pool's size, plumbing and equipment, program the pump or automation system, and adjust it as the seasons change. For customers on weekly service this is simply part of the visit.
Not sure your pump is set right?
We'll check your equipment and set a schedule that keeps the water clear without wasting power.