Do You Leave Your Above Ground Pool Pump On All The Time?
Think your above ground container pool pump should run 24/7? Short answer: nope—unless you fancy sky-high energy bills and a pump that retires early. But don’t switch off just yet—there’s a sweet spot that keeps the water sparkling without draining your wallet. Let’s find that perfect pump rhythm together.
The Science Behind Pool Circulation
What is "Pool Turnover"?
Imagine your pool as a giant mug of tea. If you never stir it, the sugar just sinks to the bottom. Your pool works the same way—without movement, chemicals settle and bacteria get comfortable.
A pool pump’s job is to keep that “tea” swirling. Every drop of water needs to pass through the filter. This is called pool turnover, and it’s the reason you don’t end up with a swamp instead of a swimming spot.
How water circulation prevents algae and bacteria
Algae love still water. It’s their version of an all-inclusive holiday—warm, sunny, and undisturbed. Circulation breaks up that party before it starts.
The pump spreads sanitising chemicals evenly, keeps the temperature steady, and stops bacteria from forming stubborn colonies. Without it, you’d be shocked how quickly clear water turns green.
Calculating the ideal pump run time for your pool
Not all pools are created equal. A compact 20,000-litre above ground pool needs less runtime than a sprawling 60,000-litre setup. Your pump’s size also matters—too small and it struggles, too big and it wastes energy.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Pool Size (Litres) | Recommended Pump Runtime (Hours) | Energy Consumption (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | 8 | 12 |
| 40,000 | 10 | 20 |
| 60,000 | 12 | 30 |
The goal? Move all the water through the filter at least once a day. That’s your turnover sweet spot.
The Recommended Pump Run Time
The 8-hour rule of thumb
For most above ground pools—and yes, that includes trendy above ground container pools—around eight hours a day works well. It’s enough to keep water clean without guzzling electricity.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. Twice a day is great. Doing it 24/7? Not so much.
Factors that increase the required run time
Sometimes your pool needs extra TLC. More swimmers, hot weather, heavy leaf fall, or a week of summer parties can all demand longer runtimes.
If your pool’s in full sun, or you’ve had a windy day dropping debris into the water, giving the pump a bit more time makes sense. On the flip side, shaded, sheltered pools can often run for less.
Should You Run Your Pump 24/7?
The Pros and Cons of Continuous Operation
The benefits of constant filtration
Let’s be honest—running the pump non-stop does make life easy. No timers to set, no thinking required. Your water stays moving, chemicals stay balanced, and debris doesn’t get a chance to settle.
If you’re the type who’d rather not fuss over settings, constant filtration feels like the safe option.
High energy costs and equipment wear
But here’s the catch—running your pump 24/7 can burn through electricity like a kettle left boiling all day. And the motor? It’s working overtime, which shortens its lifespan.
Before long, that “set it and forget it” approach can mean higher bills and costly repairs. Striking a balance saves money, protects your pump, and still keeps the water ready for a swim.
Final Takeaway
Keeping your above ground pool—or your stylish container pool—in top shape isn’t about brute force. It’s about knowing your pool, your pump, and your routine.
Run it enough to keep the water moving and the chemistry in check. Adjust when the weather or usage changes.
Get that right, and you’ll have a sparkling, safe pool—without the shock of a nasty electricity bill.
Have you checked out our other posts?
How To Cool Above Ground Pools?
How to Winterize Above Ground Pool?
How To Drain Above Ground Pool?
How To Level An Above Ground Pool?
Should I Cover Above Ground Pool?
When Closing Above Ground Pool?
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