When it comes to maintaining a pool, there are a lot of variables to consider. After a storm you may need to spend more time cleaning debris out of the pool. Or if you have an unusually high swimmer load, you may need to adjust your pool chemicals. However, one part of pool maintenance remains constant throughout the season: running your pool pump.
A pool pump is an essential component of a pool’s operation. The pump is used to circulate the pool water, which prevents it from becoming stagnant. This keeps the water clean and helps to rebalance the pool’s chemicals.
Modern pool pumps are called variable speed pumps. Variable speed pumps run 24/7, but due to their high efficiency, variable speed pumps actually save on electricity costs. They also last longer. And with your pump always running, you have less chance of an algae bloom.
If you have a single speed pump, it doesn’t need to run 24/7, but it should pump long enough to completely filter your entire pool at least once a day. This begs the question…how long should I run my single speed pool pump?
First, determine the amount of water in your pool. Consult your pool paperwork, or use the math equation length x width x depth x 7.5 to determine the volume of water your pool holds in gallons. Online calculators are also available to walk you through the process. Next, assess your pump’s flow rate. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out your pump’s flow rate (often measured in gallons per hour or gallons per minute). Then calculate out how long you’ll have to run your pump. Based on your pool’s volume and the pump’s flow rate, calculate the amount of time it will take to completely turn over the water in the pool. For example, if you have a 15,000-gallon pool and a pump with a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute, you will need to run your pump for a little over six hours to fully circulate the water.
In addition to knowing how long you should run your single speed pool pump, you should also know when to run it. Pool pumps don’t need to be run for consecutive hours; you can break up the running time in the morning and evening during non-peak electricity hours. On extra-hot days, consider running your pool pump during the day to prevent UV rays from depleting chlorine from the pool. You should also run your pool pump after chemicals have been added to ensure they are dispersed properly.
If you’re considering an upgrade, Island Pools highly recommends converting to a variable-speed pump. Variable speed pumps allow you to use only the amount of power you actually need, making them much more energy-efficient. Additionally, slowing the pump speed when the pool filter is running allows for more effective filtration.
Now that you’ve got your pump figured out, let Island Pool Services help with the rest of your pool maintenance. Call us today at (757) 286-4689 to learn more about our weekly white glove pool service contracts and enjoy a pristine pool all summer long.