Proper Pool Run Times
“Running your pool” is another way of saying circulating your water enough times daily through the filter in order to keep your pool water clean and swim-safe. The proper run time required varies with each pool due to use, hydraulic design, and filtration system. The purpose of run time is to circulate the pool water long enough to “turn over” the volume of water in a pool (have all the water pass through the filter).
Depending on the season you are in, your pool’s run time will differ in order to keep up with demand for filtering out organic matter, algae and debris. Keep reading to understand how long you should be running your pool for each season.
Winter Season (Water temperature is from 40 degrees to 65 degrees): During the winter season, the demand on turning your water through the filter is less than the summer season. Therefore, we recommend the run time stays around 6-7 hours per day to keep your water clean, clear and swim-safe. You must run the pool during daylight hours during the warmest part of the day because that is when algae wants to manifest itself.
Spring / Summer Seasons (Water temperature is from 70 degrees to 100 degrees): During the spring / summer season, the demand to run your pool longer comes into play. This is because algae is more likely to grow in the warmer temperature. Therefore, we recommend running your pool for 10-12 hours per day during the daylight hours at the warmest part of the day. This will ensure the stop to algae growth and will keep your pool clean, clear and swim-safe.
Fall Season (Water temperature is similar to winter): During the fall season, pools that are unscreened and take on a lot of leaves and debris should run their pool for extra time to combat the effects of the organic matter that could be entering their pool. We recommend running your pool for 7-9 hours daily in the daylight at the warmest part of the day.
As a customer of Pool Troopers, our trained technicians may adjust your run time to better suit your pool depending on the season. Just another way we’ve got your back!
Other factors that will affect run time: Heated Pools, Under or Oversized Equipment, Dirty Filters, Poor Circulation, Usage, Water Features, Spas, Pollen Season, and Clogged Lines. If you have specific questions about proper run times for your pool please contact Pool Troopers at 866-766-5877, we’re happy to help.
Special Note:
If you have recently added a variable speed pool motor to conform to the new Florida Energy Law and are now running your pool on a lower speed setting to save energy you will want to run your pool much longer. Remember, cutting the pump speed in half requires twice the run time to get the same turnover rate. Half the run speed only consumes 1/4 of the energy, so you save money and use less energy- just don’t forget to increase run times! (Pump Affinity Law)
