To keep your pool clean and prevent algae buildup, you should run the pumps daily, even if you aren’t using them during the colder months.

You already know that your pool pump helps circulate chlorine while also filtering dirt and other particles. For this reason, you must run the pumps for as long as it takes to clean and chlorinate the entire pool. Pool pumps should typically run for some time of:

8-10 hours per day in summer
4-6 hours per day in winter

For residential applications, you should strive for a minimum flow rate of one full pool volume turnover every 4–6 hours. This would not benefit the pool if your computation were longer than that, i.e., the flow rate was too low. This means the pump is too small for the pool, which might lead to other problems like persistent algae.

The volume of a pool is the primary variable that influences turnover time. You can figure this up by multiplying length, width, and depth. Most backyard swimming pools have a volume of 40,000 to 100,000 litres. Once you know this number, you can determine your pump’s minimum hours by comparing it to its output. For instance, a 70,000-litre pool with a 210-litre-per-minute pump needs to be run for 333 minutes.

70,000 liters / 210 liters per minute = 333.33 minutes = 5.5-6 hours

When determining your pump’s run time, there are other things to consider. As a general guideline, the minimum daily run duration is 1 hour of filtration time for every 10 degrees of air temperature above 15. Hours are typically added for increased usage, animal traffic, rainstorms, or extremely hot weather.

If you have one of the older single-speed pumps, knowing how long to operate it each day will help you keep your pool clear and save money. Consider purchasing a more recent variable speed pool pump, which enables you to operate your pump longer while saving money, if you want to maintain a correct run time but are worried about your energy expenditures.