Prior To Purchase - Everything You Need To Know About Pool Pumps

Introduction

Maintaining your swimming pool is a necessary job, no matter where you live in Australia. Running your pool pump regularly is key to keeping your pool clean and algae-free. Even during the winter when you aren’t swimming, you should run your pool pump every day. This circulates water through the filter system to trap debris and also ensures adequate chlorine levels to prevent algae growth. If left unchecked, algae can multiply and be very difficult to eliminate.

Most pool pumps serve the dual purpose of filtering out dirt and generating chlorine through a chlorination system or salt water chlorinator. If you’re not sure how long to run a pool pump, follow this general guide.

Average pump times to run pool pump

The exact amount of run time depends on the size of the pool, pump size, climate, and other environmental factors.

Up to 15,000 gallons – 6 to 8 hours
15,000 to 30,000 gallons – 10 hours
30,000 to 50,000 gallons – 12 hours
Over 50,000 gallons – 12 to 14 hours

Again, these are general estimates and the pump run time can be adjusted based on your pool demand and environmental factors.

Other factors to consider

When deciding how long to run your pool pump daily, also consider the following:

Pool usage – Pools used frequently or with high bather loads may need longer run times
Debris and leaves – If the pool area has heavy debris or leaf litter, lengthen run times
Sun and heat exposure – More direct sunlight and higher temperatures increase demand
Water features – Additional features like waterfalls require longer run times

How do you reduce pumping time?

If your electric or maintenance bills are high, here are a few ways to reduce your daily pumping time:

Pool size – Pump capacity correlates with gallons of water. A pump undersized for a large pool won’t achieve sufficient water turnover. Oversize it, however, and you’ll be wasting energy. Carefully match the pump capacity to your water volume.
Efficiency rating – Today’s variable-speed and multi-speed pumps far surpass the energy efficiency of older single-speed models. Compare efficiency ratings to save on electric bills.
Filtration system – Determine whether you have a cartridge, DE, or sand filter. The pump must be compatible with your style of system.
Plumbing size – Confirm that pump discharge and return line sizes match existing plumbing. If not, modifications may be necessary to accommodate a different pump.
Check water balance – Properly balanced water requires less filtration
Reduce debris – Use pool covers or surface skimmers to cut down on debris
Smart controls – Upgrading to an automated smart pump opens up additional money-saving and convenience-enhancing capabilities. Consider whether built-in or add-on smart controls are desirable.

Conclusion

Determining your pool pump runtime properly is crucial to filtering all the water efficiently without wasted energy or excessive costs. Most pools need 8 to 12 hours of pumping per day, depending on size and other factors. Evaluate your pool’s demand and balance that against the efficiency needed. With a few adjustments, you can dial in the optimal daily run times. Take the time upfront to select the correctly sized pump and set runtimes to keep your pool sparkling all season.