If you’ve recently invested in a pool, upgraded your existing one, or want to ensure you’re maintaining it efficiently, you might wonder how long to run your pool pump each day to keep the water clean and safe. To maintain a healthy swimming environment while optimizing energy use, it’s important to ensure the water circulates completely at least once a day.
Calculating your pool pump’s run time takes a little work, and it depends on factors like your pool’s size, the pump’s flow rate, and how often the pool is used. In this blog post, we’ll break everything down step by step so you know exactly what to do.
Why Is a Pool Pump Important?
A pool filter pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. It pulls water from the pool, pushes it through a filter to remove dirt and debris, and then returns clean water back to the pool. Running the pump regularly helps keep the water clear, prevents algae growth, and evenly distributes chemicals.
Without it, your pool water could become dirty and unsafe for swimming. “Turnover” refers to the process of the pump circulating all the water in the pool through the filter at least once.
Calculating Your Pool’s Turnover Rate
Calculating your pool’s turnover rate involves some math, so let’s get started. You’ll need to know your pool’s volume in gallons and your pump’s flow rate. By dividing the total gallons in your pool by the pump’s flow rate, you can determine how long it will take for the pump to circulate all the water.
This calculation helps ensure you run the pump long enough to keep your pool clean and properly balanced.
How to Calculate Your Pool’s Total Volume in Gallons
Before we calculate, you’ll need to gather some information. You can calculate your pool’s volume using these simple formulas:
- Volume for a rectangular pool: Length (ft.) X Width (ft.) X Average Depth (ft.) X 7.5 = Total Pool Gallons
- Volume for an oval pool: Length (ft.) X Width (ft.) X Average Depth (ft.) X 6.7 = Total Pool Gallons
- Volume for a round pool: Diameter (ft.) X Diameter (ft.) X Average Depth (ft.) X 5.9 = Total Pool Gallons
How to Determine Your Pump’s Flow Rate
After determining the water volume in your pool, it’s time to calculate your pump’s flow rate. Flow rate refers to the amount of water your pump can move in a specific time frame, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The manufacturer often provides the flow rate in the pump’s specifications, allowing you to easily identify how much water it can circulate within a minute.
If the flow rate is given in gallons per hour (GPH), you can use this conversion formula:
- GPH ÷ 60 = GPM
Time To Calculate
Now that you have the flow rate and pool volume, the math is straightforward. For instance, if you have a 15,000-gallon pool and your pump has a flow rate of 30 gallons per minute (GPM), you can easily calculate the pump run time.
First, multiply the flow rate by 60 to find the gallons pumped per hour:
- Example flow rate: 30 GPM
- 30 (GPM) X 60 (minutes) = 1,800 gallons per hour.
Next, divide the total pool volume by the gallons pumped per hour:
- 15,000 (gallons) ÷ 1,800 (gallons per hour) = approximately 8.3 hours.
In this example, your pool filter pump should run for about 8.3 hours daily to achieve one complete water turnover, ensuring your pool remains clean and inviting. Most pool owners often choose to split the time between the morning and evening to ensure consistent water circulation throughout the day while also helping save on energy costs.
Trusted Fiberglass Pool Manufacturer
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Backed by a Lifetime Structural Warranty and exceptional customer service, Sun Pools has earned its reputation as a trusted industry leader, ensuring your investment is both beautiful and built to last.
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