One of the essential steps in swimming pool maintenance is regularly running your pool pump, as it will keep it clean and safe to swim in.
Many people don’t know how long to run the pool pump, so they run it too little or too much. Also, they don’t know when they should turn it on precisely and in which situations. Please keep reading the article if you are unsure what to do, what’s the best time to run your pool pump, and why pool pump repairs are important.
We will share helpful advice on swimming pool maintenance, quality pool care, and why it is vital.
What Is a Pool Pump?
It is a vital part of every swimming pool, and without it, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your days swimming in clear water. It is a part of the circulation system that pulls the water out of the pool, filters it, and returns it cleaner.
The water circulation system is responsible for cleaning the pool from hair, lint, other types of debris and preventing the growth of bacteria and algae. It is also keeping you safe from many diseases.
As it is an essential part of every swimming pool, its pump should be regularly maintained, cleaned, and repaired. Every part must be checked as it can quickly become clogged from all the debris. The part that needs special attention is the lint and hair trap that has to be checked and cleaned at least two times a week. If you don’t do it, you are risking severe damage to the whole system and an eventual failure of the motor.
Another thing that you should clean is the internal mechanics. You can use a broom to dust away from the buildup in the vents and a damp towel to clean the motor and other surfaces. Just be careful to avoid directly wetting the motor, as it can damage it.
How Long Should You Run the Pool Pump?
It would be best if you always strived for good quality pool care no matter what. And to perform proper swimming pool maintenance, you need to know how long to run the pool pump. Some will say it must run the whole time, while others say it’s enough only a few hours. And the correct answer is somewhere in between.
You need to run it every day to keep your pool water clean and the overall environment safe for swimming. And the duration depends on the size of your pool as you want to filter all of the water.
The average number of hours is 8, but it differs. If you have ample space, you want to keep your pump working for at least 12 hours. At the same time, it is unnecessary to do it for more than 6 if you have a smaller pool. To know the exact number of hours, you have to know the turnover rate of your pump.
There are other things you should consider, like the outside temperature. If the days are hot, you should let the pump work for more than usual. Let’s say it usually runs for 8 hours; you would want to let it operate for up to 12 if the temperature is more than 100° F. During colder months, it’s okay if it operates for about 5 or 6 hours.
It would be necessary to run it for a more extended period if you have some problems with your pool. If you have issues with algae, it will have to work for longer to distribute the chemicals used to fight the outbreak. It will be the same if the pool is extra dirty after a storm or heavy rain. And another scenario where you’ll have to run it for more hours is after heavy use of the pool. If you had a party and many people were in the water, you’ll want to be sure that everything is sanitized and clean. And to be entirely sure, you can let the pump work for 12 hours.
How to Know the Turnover Rate of Your Pump
You’ll have to know the turnover rate of the pump prior to buying it, as you want to get the best-quality pool care with it. And you will easily calculate it if you know the volume of your pool and how much water it can hold.
Simply put, the turnover rate is the amount of water that can be filtered in a specific period of time. Once you know this rate, you can quickly determine how long to run your pool pump.
And when you do get that number of hours, it’s good to know that it doesn’t have to be on for 6 or 8 hours constantly. The only essential thing is not to forget to turn it on during 24 hours. If it’s more convenient for you, it’s possible to run it for 6, 8, or 12 consecutive hours, but you don’t have to do it. You can split the time during the day as you see fit.
Best Time to Run Pool Pump
When it comes to the best time of running the pool pump, it depends. The most sustainable option is to do it during the hours when the electricity is cheaper. Some hours are billed at non-peak rates, and you can adjust the schedule of running the pump according to that. By doing so, you’ll save on your monthly electricity bill. However, sometimes it’s not recommended to practice this.
In the summertime and when the sun is the strongest during the day, you’ll want to keep your pump running. It’s critical to do it as the harmful UV rays can damage the chlorine, and the pump helps to prevent it.
And another time you should turn it on, no matter the time of the day, is when you add any new chemicals into the pool. The circulation of the water will help in properly distributing the substance.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
Now you know how important a pool pump is for maintaining a healthy environment in your pool, and you know when and how long you should run it. If you follow our advice on maintaining it properly, you won’t have any problems.
If the problems do occur, and you notice any strange pump activity, please don’t ignore it. If it is making unusual sounds, running faster than before, or having trouble working, maybe it is time for a repair or a replacement.
You can call us today at Florida Pool Patio, and we will gladly help you. One of our pool repair professionals will come to identify the problem and the most efficient way to solve it. Whether you need a repair or change the whole circulation system, we can assist you.
Be sure also to visit our website and see all the services we offer in South Florida. We are here to help you maintain your pool clean, safe, and looking pristine.
