General Rule of Thumb and Pool Care Tips
Your pool filter pump is the cardiac muscle of your pool! The heart of the filtration system that circulates water to remove debris and distribute chemicals evenly throughout your pool water. When your pool filter pump works as intended, your water is left looking clean and clear. While every pool and pump is different, there are a few general principles and guidelines for pool filtration and the proper running of your pool pump.
Single-Speed Pool Pump
The general rule of thumb is to run your single-speed pool filter pump based on the ambient air temperature. For every 10 degrees, the pump will have to run for one hour. So, that means if the air temperature is around 90°F, then your single-speed pump will need to run for a minimum of 9 hours. If there is algae growth or cloudy water, the pump would have to run for 24 hours.
Variable-Speed Pump
Your pool water should flow through your filtration system at least once a day. With a variable-speed filter pump, that would equate to roughly 8-12 hours, depending on your pool volume by gallons. Most pool owners run their variable-speed pump at different speeds throughout the day but many end up running their pump for an average of 10-12 hours to be on the safe side.
Water circulation is important for a healthy and safe swimming pool. A pool with proper circulation has fewer issues with cloudy water or pool algae. Keeping your pump and filter system running for at least 8 to 12 hours is the best way to keep your pool safe and clean. Also, keep track of your water level and make sure it is halfway up the opening of your water skimmer.
Helpful Filter Hint: Deep clean your pool filters or pool sand at least twice a year to make sure they are doing their job and your pump is running smoothly.
Save Money
One way to reduce energy consumption and save money is to run your pool pump during the night. Your local energy company may charge more during peak hours (i.e morning and evening) when there are considerably more individuals on the grid. If you want your pool pump running during the day, set up a schedule where you are running your pool pump when most people are at work or away from the home — 9 am to 5 pm.
Need Help Testing the Water?
It is worth your while to take a water sample to a professional water testing location once a month. Professional water testing is about making sure you, your family, and your investment (aka — your swimming pool) are 100% safe, happy, and healthy. Make sure to properly collect a water sample to increase the accuracy of the test.
At Parnell Pool & Spa, our trusted specialists use only the best equipment and procedures to get a complete and accurate reading of your pool water. Our computerized Water Analysis System, BioGuard’s® ALEX®, provides results in an instant with step-by-step instructions. Bring us your water sample today and leave knowing every step needed to get your pool water safe and sanitary.
Contact Us Today
If you have a question about the proper running of your pool or spa, contact us or stop by our Fayetteville or Lumberton location anytime. While in the store, check out our products, purchase chemicals for your pool/hot tub, or get a specific question answered by one of our experts. Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well.
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