How Long Should Pool Pump Run?

This blog post is part of the Town & Country Pools Blog Archive. The information found in this blog post is more than three years old. Information found in this post may not be correct or an accurate representation of Town & Country Pools.

How Long Should Pool Pump Run? Town & Country Pool Builders Explain

Running the swimming pool pump is a crucial part of keeping the pool water clean, clear and free of bacteria. When the pool contractors from Town & Country Pools visit customers in the Maryland area, one question they get asked is, “how long should pool pump run?” The answer is not definite, because it’s based on many factors. These factors include the swimmer load, the size and shape of your pool, and the size of your pump and filter. Energy.gov has general guidelines here. However, it is best to have our experts at Town & Country Pools evaluate your pool for what is best for your pool pump.

Pool Pump – Water Turnover

One thing that pool contractors advise is to run the pool pump long enough to turn over the pool water at least once a day. This is called the “water turnover rate” and is a phrase your pool contractor will talk about. We can calculate your ideal pool pump running time based on the pump, pool water capacity, shape of pool and other factors. Ask us the next time we pay a service visit.

Pool Water Turnover Rate

pool pump


A typical swimming pool filtering system will turn the water over about two times per day. Taking that into consideration, you will run the pool filter for up to twelve hours a day to completely turn the water over. This again, hinges on myriad factors including:

  1. Size of pool.
  2. Size of filter.
  3. Age and working condition of the filter.

How Long Should Pool Pump Run?

You can, of course, run it more hours of the day. Run the pool pump overnight if you want to save money on your utility bills. Ask your electric provider what the off peak hours are. Run the pump during off peak hours. Most off peak hours are between 9 am and 9 pm.

Variable Speed Pool Pump

A variable speed pump is an option for pool owners looking to save money. Variable speed pumps run at a lower speed when the pool water needs to be turned over or run at a higher speed when you’re vacuuming and need to turn the water more quickly.

Contact Town & Country Pools

To know your optimal time to run the pool filter, ask us when we pay our next service visit. It is better to run your pump for longer amounts of time (rather than shorter) because it will keep the health of your pool water. To schedule a service visit contact us.


pool pump - How Long Should Pool Pump Run?Running a pool filter will keep your water clear, but it cannot keep your tiles free from that chalky build-up! Learn how to clean your pool tiles with a few common household items.