How to Calculate Pool Pump Run Time
The pool pump is one of the most vital pieces of pool equipment. Think of it as the heart of your swimming pool. The pool pump’s job is to circulate water through the filtration system and return clean and free of contaminants water back to the pool. It is important to calculate pool pump run time for your specific volume of pool and pump size, so that you are running your pool pump long enough to keep your water clean, while being energy efficient.
Calculate Your Pool’s Turnover Rate
The amount of time that a pool pump should run depends on the size of the swimming pool. Industry standards recommend a turnover rate of at least 6 hours and a minimum of 1 turnover per 24-hour period. The pool turnover rate is important for proper filtration. Not cycling enough water through the filter may result in swimming pool algae blooms, cloudy pool water and water balance issues.
To calculate turnover rate, follow these steps:
- Determine your pool pump’s gallons per minute (GPM). All pool pumps are designed to circulate water at a certain speed or flow rate. The GPM for your pool pump can be found by checking the manufacturer’s manual.
- Calculate the volume of your pool if you don’t already know it.
- Calculate the turnover rate for your pool. Start with converting GPM to GPH (Gallons per Hour)
Total Pool Volume ÷ GPH = Turnover Rate
For example:
40 GPM x 60 = 2,400 GPH
20,000 gallons ÷ 2,400 = 8.333 hours
For a 20,000 gallon pool with a 40 GPM pool pump, it should be ran for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
For additional help on how to calculate pool pump run time, contact Blue Diamond Pool Services, your swimming pool specialists, at 407-435-8553.