Pool Pump Run Time Calculator
Clean, clear water needs at least one full turnover a day. Enter your pool volume and pump flow rate (GPM) to see your turnover time and a recommended daily run time.
Pool Pump Run Time Calculator
Why use the Pool Pump Run Time Calculator
Run the pump too little and the water clouds; run it 24/7 and you burn money. This finds the daily run time your specific pump needs.
How to get your numbers
- Volume in gallons.
- Pump flow (GPM) from the pump curve for your pipe size, or estimate from horsepower.
Recommended for this job
How to use it
- Enter your pool volume in gallons.
- Enter your pump’s flow rate in gallons per minute.
- Run at least one turnover daily — more in hot, busy weather.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I run my pool pump each day?
Long enough to turn the water over once or twice a day. Turnover time = pool volume ÷ (pump flow rate × 60).
Where do I find my pump’s flow rate (GPM)?
From the pump curve in its manual for your plumbing size, or estimate from horsepower — a typical 1 HP pump moves roughly 45–60 GPM.
Do I need to run the pool pump 24/7?
Usually not. One to two turnovers a day keeps most residential pools clear; continuous running mainly wastes electricity.
What does pool “turnover” mean?
It is the time it takes to pump the entire pool volume through the filter once. Chemicals and heat also distribute during turnover.
Should I run the pump during the day or at night?
Run at least part of the day so chlorine circulates when the sun and swimmers demand it most; shifting some hours to off-peak times saves on electricity.
Can a variable-speed pump save money?
Yes — running longer at a low speed filters the same water using far less energy than a single-speed pump at full power.
Why is my pool cloudy even with the pump running?
Usually too little run time, a dirty or undersized filter, or unbalanced chemistry. Increase run time, clean the filter, and re-test the water.
