How Long Does My Pool Pump Need To Run Per Day?

There are so many answers to this question!

Residential pools, off season 1-2 turnovers in a 24 hr period

Swimming season, 2-3 turnovers per day.

Commercial pools, 4 turnovers per day

WHAT IS A TURNOVER? "The amount of time it takes (in hours) to circulate an amount

of water equivalent to the volume of the pool." "turnover rate"

Using a 30,000 gallon pool and an average flow rate (FR) of a one horse power pump

use this equation: Gallons/FR/60=

30,000/50/60="10 hours turnover rate"

Where did the 60 come from? 60 represents minutes in an hour.

In a 24 hour period, at this rate, you would "turnover" the water in your pool 2.2 times.

Flow rates can be found from the chart that came with your pump's manual or you can look them up on-line.

It's important to understand that the PHTA has a mathematical model for the amount of water filtered per turnover.

1-63%

2-80%

3-95%

4-98%

Not all of your pool water is filtered in a turnover! That is why several turnovers are suggested per 24 hrs.

So far we have based our flow rates and turnovers on a single speed pump that runs at 3450 rpms all the time. Now let's talk about the new variable speed pumps and how they effect run times, flow rates and turnovers.

It is logical that moving water has a better chance to be clear water, and stagnant water has a better chance to turn into a swamp! A variable speed pump set properly will reduce noise, reduce energy consumption, increase flow, and will last longer than a single speed motor. Variable speed pumps are designed to run all the time. Possibly a higher speed during the day and lower at night. Or a speed that matches your turnover and flow rate needs 24/7.

Follow the link below a Pool Pump Savings Calculator

https://www.jandy.com/en/pool-pump-savings

Below is a screen shot of the calculator using the example of a 30,000 gallon pool and a one HP single speed pump. Notice that I matched turnover rates. Pump runs at a lower speed all day, filtration is the same and you cut your energy costs more than half!

Variable speed pumps cost more, but they are well worth the investment in the long run. They last longer than the outdated brush/armature motor, they are significantly quieter, and they will save money in energy costs. They give you the ability to run your pump 24/7 and save money!

A great addition to a variable pump purchase is a flow meter. A flow meter will provide you with a real time GPM value.

FlowVis Flow Meter