A pool pump is essential in keeping your pool clean. But have you ever wondered about the best time to use it to reduce energy costs? This article answers this question and more.
Whenever I use the pool pump, I ensure that it is running at the right time of the day. Operating the pump during the wrong time can result in algae growth and high electric bills, among other unwanted problems.
However, pool owners have different opinions on the best time to use a pool pump. Some think that it should only run during the day, while others believe it is best done at night.
So what is the ideal time to use a swimming pool pump?
Read on as I answer this question and discuss other factors related to pool pump operation.
Is It Better to Run a Swimming Pool Pump During the Day or At Night?
Whether you use the pool pump during the day or at night, you will find that each has its pros and cons. Continue reading to learn which one best suits your needs.
Using a Pump During the Day
Most pool owners swear by running their pumps during the day. That is because algae quickly grow when exposed to the sun. Thus, it makes sense to use the pump when the sun is at its highest. Doing so can keep the pool clean and prevent algae growth in stagnant water.
Besides algae, debris flown away by the wind are likely to fall on the swimming pool. Some insects are also active during the day and can find their way into the pool.
Furthermore, chlorine is in high demand during the day when people tend to swim in the pool. However, this chemical quickly breaks down when exposed to the sun.
You can prevent all these problems when you run your pool pump during the day. For instance, you can use it from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. if it takes eight hours to move water through your pool’s filtration system. Having the pool pump run continuously can help circulate the chemicals throughout the pool. It ultimately ensures clean water for a more comfortable swimming experience.
Running the Pump at Night
You can also run your pool pump at night. The main benefit of the pool pump running during this time is the lower energy costs.
Some countries and states offer cheaper electricity rates at certain times of the day. This usually happens during non-peak hours at night because of the lower energy demand in swimming pools.
Depending on where you live, you can enjoy lower electric bills as low as 25% of the peak electricity charge. You can also check if your electricity provider offers three-tiered prices. To put it simply, you will get a “shoulder” interval between low and peak rates. You will pay more during the time when there is high activity, but you can also benefit from cheaper energy rates during off-peak hours. Contact your electricity provider to see if your area qualifies for these lower electricity charges.
Another benefit of using the swimming pool pump at night is to prevent freezing. If you are not aware, frozen water can destroy your plumbing and damage your pool equipment. Fortunately, the pump moves water to keep your pipes from freezing.
What Is Best?
By now, you probably already know the benefits of both options. But which one is better?
It is difficult to say as it entirely depends on your situation and needs. So I recommend finding the middle ground.
Try using the pump for a few hours during the day and a few more hours at night to complete the filter cycle. For instance, you can run it during the noon when the sun and pool usage is at their highest peak hours. Doing so can circulate the chemicals throughout the water and keep the swimming pool clean. Then, you can run your pool pump at its lowest speed during nighttime (between 10 P.M. to 2 A.M.) when temperatures tend to be freezing. It can prevent damage to your plumbing and pool equipment. At the same time, it can help lower your electric bill costs.
Should I Run the Pool Pump Continuously?
Yes, it is best to operate your swimming pool pump continuously. The rule of thumb is to keep the pump running until it circulates all the water through the pool filters. The exact time it takes will depend on the pump size and how large your pool is. But to give you an idea, swimming pool pumps have an average turnover rate of six to eight hours.
With that said, you can still run your pump for multiple short intervals throughout the day to ensure proper pool maintenance. For instance, you want to use it during the noon to target algae and debris. But you also want to save money by operating it at night when energy rates might be lower. Just maintain the chemical balance in the pool for clean and healthy water.
Is It Ok To Use a Pool Pump 24 Hours a Day?
In an ideal world, you want to run the swimming pool pump for 24 hours every day. This way, you will get to enjoy clean and filtered water daily. But alas, having to run a pool pump all day can result in a costly power bill.
So unless you have the money to pay for expensive electric bills monthly, limit the number of hours you use the pump.
You can still achieve clean pool water as long as you filter it at least once or twice every 24 hours. And as previously mentioned, you can turn over all the pool water through the filtration system in just six to eight hours.
Do You Have To Run Pool Pump in Winter?
As a pool owner, you probably already know the importance of running the pump during the summer. But do you have to do the same in the winter?
It entirely depends on the climate you live in.
Pool owners who enjoy moderate weather during winter can continue running the pump as usual. That is because you do not have to worry about the water freezing. You can decrease the hours you run the pump to reduce operating costs. Just ensure that the water passes through the pool filter at least once a day.
But if you live in an area with freezing temperatures, avoid leaving your pump on using an automatic timer. You risk damaging your pump and plumbing system once the water freezes. It is best to manually put the pump on and off to keep this from occurring.
Can You Leave Your Pool Pump Off for a Week?
Yes, you can turn off your pump for a week for whatever reason you deem fit. But the better question is: should you? Well, the answer is no.
If you leave your pool without a pump, you can expect dirt and all kinds of debris to settle over the water. You also risk getting stubborn algae, which grow quickly in stagnant water.
Leaving your pool pump off also means that chemicals are not circulated throughout the pool. The imbalanced water chemistry can lead to other problems in the future.
How Can I Lower My Pool Pump Energy Bill?
If you do not want to compromise your pool’s water quality, you have no choice but to run your pool pump at the right time. Avoid operating your pump at off-peak hours or evening hours just to save money because you risk algae bloom and chemical imbalance.
Fortunately, there is still an effective way to lower your pool pump energy bill. Consider using a variable-speed pump.
Although these pumps have a high upfront cost, they are the most energy-efficient pumps on the market. They are worthy investments because they offer prolonged filtration at a lower cost. Furthermore, variable-speed pumps can turn over the entire volume of your water in one go. They are also easier to maintain over time. If you use them daily, they can pay for themselves within one to two years through lower electricity bills and energy savings. Finally, a variable-speed pump is unlike a single-speed model, which tends to be a noisy pool pump.
Conclusion
Pool pumps can circulate chemicals throughout the water to clean your pool. They are an integral part of pool maintenance. However, they also tend to be expensive to operate.
Some pool owners use their pumps at night to save money. However, this is not the best approach if you want to keep your pool completely clean. It is still best to run the pump for a few hours during the day when algae and all kinds of debris can get into the pool. Then, you can complete the filter cycle by operating the pump again at night.
I hope this article answers your question about the best time to use a pool pump. Feel free to share it with other pool users if you find it helpful!
