Theres not one simple answer to this question. A debate goes on every summer between the electric utilities and pool chemical suppliers as to how long people should run their pool pump. Do you run your pool pump longer or do you add more chemicals? Which is better? Which is more economical?

The answer is somewhat complicated because each pool is different and has differing needs. Pool pumps alone cannot solve all your pool problems nor can pool chemicals. There has to be a balance that fits your particular pool situation.

How Much Electricity Does It Take To Operate A Pool Pump?

A 24-foot diameter by 4-foot high aboveground pool equipped with a one horsepower/120 volt motor and a sand filter is among the most commonly used in the market today. This pump averages $1.54 per day to operate if you run it for 24 hours. This equates to $46 per month. If you run this pump 24 hours a day, seven days a week from mid May to mid September, it will cost you about $189 in electricity. If you run your pool pump 12 hours a day, your electricity costs will be half that amount.

How Long Should

• Type and amount of chemicals you use
• Exposure to sunlight
• Weather conditions
• Type of pump and filter
• Bathing load (number of people in the pool)
• Pool size and depth
• Use of a pool cover

If it is a hot windy day with a lot of people in the pool you would do well to run your pool pump more than if it is a cooler, calm day with a few people in the pool.

Balancing how long you run the pool pump versus the amount of chemicals you use is something only you can determine based on your pool's needs. You need to weigh the costs of the extra chemicals versus the extra costs in electricity. Experiment with your particular pool by running the pool pump for 10 hours during the day and see if it does the job for you. You can vary the operating time up or down in 30-minute increments till you get the results you want.