Should a Pool Pump Run 24 Hours a Day?

A pool pump and filter are necessary in order to help keep your pool in Dallas, Texas, clean. There are many factors that affect the question of how long pool pumps should run. The size of your pool, the efficiency of your pump and filter, and how dirty your pool is are just some of the factors you need to consider.

Nevertheless, most pool cleaning professionals would advise against running a pool pump for more than 8 hours a day. For pool pumps with D.E. filters, operating hours for normal weather and climate conditions tend to be anywhere from between 7 to 8 hours if you want to ensure proper filtration.

The “D.E.” in D.E. filter stands for diatomaceous earth, which is what the filter media is made from. Diatomaceous earth is a type of powdered sedimentary rock, and it comes from the fossilized microscopic remains of ancient diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. Under the microscope, the powder appears porous, which explains its widespread use for applications like filtration, thermal insulation, and as an efficient absorbent for liquids.

D.E. filters are considered the best and most commonly used filters in swimming pool pumps today. Backwashing D.E. filters is necessary until their pressure gauges indicate 10 psi above normal or every six weeks.

Pool owners in Texas who use pool pumps with D.E. filters should observe the recommended operating hours per day except during winters, when a pool pump needs to run as needed to eliminate the possibility of freeze damage. But regardless of the time of the year, any damaged equipment needs to be repaired as soon as possible. This is because when there is a D.E. filter, it requires the system to turn off for several hours per day so the grids inside the filter are allowed to “rest.” This allows the filter to regenerate the filter media inside it. If the system runs continuously, the media and filtered particles will cause excessive pressure inside the filter and will cause pool circulation issues.

If you want to learn more about the proper use of pool pumps or if you need to have your pool and filter cleaned, please don’t hesitate to contact Sterling Pool Service at 888-973-0274. Our service area includes the counties of Dallas and Collin in the state of Texas.