excellent video. Thanks for breaking it down for basic home pool owners. I also appreciate the math behind the answer, thanks for taking the time to do that.
2:22 This is a fascinating discussion. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm an anesthesiologist, and we use the same consideration (63%, 86%, 95% turnover) when adjusting the concentration of delivered anesthesia gas during surgery. We utilize the concept known as "time constant", which is calculated as: volume divided by flow, and for our purposes, is measured in minutes. The approximate volume of the adult human respiratory system, plus the bellows, tubes and valves in an anesthesia machine, is five liters. If the flow of anesthesia gas through the system is set to five liters per minute, then the time constant is one minute. To appreciably change (turn over) the concentration of anesthesia gas in the patient's lungs requires three time constants. So at a gas flow of five liters per minutes, a nearly complete turnover would require three minutes. Increasing the gas flow to ten liters per minute decreases the time constant to 0.5 minutes and thereby cuts in half the turnover time. My pool holds 7500 gallons. I don't know the flow rate through my pool's circulatory system, but let's guess that it is 37.5 gallons per minute provided by my 1.5 HP pump motor. The time constant is therefor 200 minutes. 600 minutes (10 hours) would be needed for a 95% water turnover. It all makes perfect sense to me, so I thank you tremendously!
@JustSayN2O your flow is almost certainly higher than this. I mean there is a lot to know and then consider, but a more average number would be 60 to 80gpm for 1.5" pipes and 80 to 100gpm for 2" pipes. Single speed pumps move water very quickly which is very much not in the best interest of efficiency. This is why a 24/7 slow and low filtration schedule is the most optimal for pool owners (utilizing a variable speed pump). Interesting timing with your comment especially given that I had a general anesthetic yesterday, during which I woke up during the end stages of the procedure. I suppose I know why now lol!
@@Swimmingpoolsteve 2" PVC, single speed pump, agree more likely 75 gallons per minute. A five-hour run would theoretically turn over 95% of the water. But would that be a sufficient length of time for chlorine generation? Best wishes during your recovery. Stay well ! I hope the early awareness wasn't painful or traumatic. If so then let the doctors know.
Perhaps , other variables , where you live , Toronto versus Florida, trees , shade , sun, how often pool is used ? I think trial and error is required to some degree. ? Your thoughts ? ..
I didn't know this was a question at all. My pump runs 24/7 ... I never shut it off while it's running. It's only ever off during the winter when it's closed.
Thank you for taking the time to create your videos - VERY helpful! Learned a ton in a short time - now I am implementing your ideas! Saving $$ keeping us safe.
Steve I have a new pool installed With a Hayword vs900 2.7hp pump. Pool is 30,000 gallon and pump is variable speed. What is I deal settings to run filter. Thanks.
Hi, Thabks for all of your helpful videos. I have an intex 16×48" AGP. Approx 5436 gallons(90%) I fear that when I upgraded my filter I may have gone to big. I got a 2800gph 14" sand filter. So by my calculations running the pump for 6hrs aday would turn the pool over 3x. Is that ok? I have yet to hook up sand pump. Could go smaller if necessary unfortunately I saw your channel after making my upgrade purchase. Thanks for your time!
Bigger pump and filter is better than smaller pump and filter to be sure. Something like what you have you could run for a few hours during the day and a few hours at night and definitely make your minimum turnover rates.
its always 6 hours minimum for an avg 15-20,000 gallon pool @ 2,100 to 2,300 RPM. if its getting green bump up to 8 hours. winter time lower the speed with a VSP 1250 - 1500 RPM and go 10 hours. ALL GOOD just use that as a general rule of thumb and keep an eye on your electric bill. don't overthink it.
Would you still use a timer when running a variable speed pump? I'm currently installing a Pentair SuperFlow VST as well as a IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator. Thanks in advance!
Usually the internal clock and programming on a new VS pump replaces the need for an external timer. Many people in your situation will be wondering about the control for the salt cell. Normally the salt system is wired on a contactor system that only energizes when the pump circuit from the timer is live. If you upgrade to a VS pump then it is on 24/7 now so how does this work? The first way is that you rely on the flow switch from the salt system to only turn on when the flow from your VS pump is powerful enough. This takes some tinkering with speeds while watching the salt system status. Some systems might not like operating like this and will throw out errors. In theory this system works, but it makes me nervous that the mechanical flow switch is the only thing between you and an H-bomb in your plumbing system, which is what happens if your salt system continues to generate under no flow conditions. First generation salt systems were...an interesting time. The alternative would be to make use of a timer to control the salt cell from energizing when you do not want it to. The pump can be programmed to have speeds suitable for chlorine generation, and then the external timer programmed to energize the salt circuit within these hours.
Here in Spain the cost of domestic electricity is a fraction of the price during the night time hours and therefore I run my pump for 10 hours during the nighttime but not at all during the day. Do you think this is an acceptable practice?
I currently run a VSP from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2750 then lower to 1750 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Do you recommend a lower setting for a few more hours to gain more turnover?
Steve, I came across your video as I was looking for some more information on running my pool system. It is a new home for me with a 30,000 gallon inground pool, Inteliflow pump and Tagelus 100 sand filter. I replaced the filter pressure gauge and added a flow meter after the filter. What I am finding is that in order to at least do a turnover every 10hrs, I need to be running at 2200 RPM with a flow rate of 50gpm. If I were to try to go for 3 turnovers, I'd have to run it at 3100 RPM. I'm sure I'm still saving money compared to a fixed speed pump but does this sound right?
Yes this sounds right for a quite large swimming pool. Some pool owners do elect to filter less water daily. I like to endorse 3 turnovers daily. You are saving money with this reduced schedule, as the 2200 RPM operation in specific likely uses very little power.
Speaking with an engineer and designer of flow meters they explained that in California (expensive electricity) a variable speed pump running at 2400 RPM instead of 2500 RPM would save over $250 per year in electricity (based on 24/7 schedule). The point of this is that the savings from being able to dial in your flow far outweight he cost of the instrumentation needed to monitor your flow.
Upwards of 14 years. Of course this overlooks about 100 factors which could make it last less. Also, that would be horrendously inefficient and you would undoubtedly benefit from a variable speed pump to lower.your operating costs.
I am not sure what you mean by evading but anyway here is a long video where I show in explicit detail how long to run a pump for a 20,000 gallon pool. Short answer is 24/7 which is the same answer for every pool, now the new question is how to program a pump to run 24/7 and filter the right amount 9f water for a 20k gallon pool. Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/X7DHyFCw_28/v-deo.html
With a variable speed pump, certainly yes. Single speed pump it will be awfully expensive to run 24/7 and so a flow meter would be great to let you know exactly how many hours you need to run in order to actually achieve the 3x or 4x turnover rates. But yes, in theory you can run your pump 24/7 and only turn off to backwash or clean strainer baskets etc and that would be just fine for the pump and the pool water...just a little heavy on the pocketbook due to so much electricity costs.
Shit I run my in ground swimming pool 24/7 my family is worth more then money lol. And we use chlorine and shock it also and M- acid. Brush the pool also and vacuum it. So I think we’re safe maybe a little over kill but I’ll do this all day just to keep my family safe.
We don’t even worry about light or water bills lol. I love being a third generation swimming pool builder builder. And being a license electrician and license HVAC it really helps out knowing all these jobs well having licenses. And I can pretty much do it all whatever you need around ur house but I need my plumbers license but I bet I got more skills then one with a license I’ve been doing swimming pool plumbing for over 15 years and going.
@@paulsteele8079 Why lol, well lets see, they cost $1400 and a single cost $400, they dont save enough energy to pay for the difference within the pumps service life. They just run longer and slower which doesnt give enough flow when you want to run a cleaner or put in chemicals. The filter doesnt work as good as well as the skimmer.The computer is vunerable to lightning and electrical surges. They cant be repaired - including the pump its sealed! The internal battery for the computer only last a few years and its not replaceable. The only way out is to pay another $1400. My neighbor had one and in 4 years he had to replace it. Because of the battery failing. I have a single speed pump, it ran for 5 years, it got noisy bought a new motor. It was up and running in an hour and replaced the bearings in the old one for a spare. It just technology overkill for something simple which will just cost and cost you. Would you like to hear more?
Laughable and everyone saying great video. He just sold all of you on his advertisement behind him and I bet 90% of you researched that site. He never stated when to run the pool pump. Just sold you all a product…
In my opinion pool pumps and chlorine generators need to run 24/7. My hot tub can get away with the eco mode on for the pump but that’s because hot tubs have way more sanitizer in them (I’ve never seen a green hot tub) also if you use your pool allot u gotta run that pump.
Thank you for the clear and reasoned explanation of the importance of filtering and ways to cut the cost of filtering.
excellent video. Thanks for breaking it down for basic home pool owners. I also appreciate the math behind the answer, thanks for taking the time to do that.
2:22 This is a fascinating discussion. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm an anesthesiologist, and we use the same consideration (63%, 86%, 95% turnover) when adjusting the concentration of delivered anesthesia gas during surgery. We utilize the concept known as "time constant", which is calculated as: volume divided by flow, and for our purposes, is measured in minutes.
The approximate volume of the adult human respiratory system, plus the bellows, tubes and valves in an anesthesia machine, is five liters. If the flow of anesthesia gas through the system is set to five liters per minute, then the time constant is one minute. To appreciably change (turn over) the concentration of anesthesia gas in the patient's lungs requires three time constants. So at a gas flow of five liters per minutes, a nearly complete turnover would require three minutes. Increasing the gas flow to ten liters per minute decreases the time constant to 0.5 minutes and thereby cuts in half the turnover time.
My pool holds 7500 gallons. I don't know the flow rate through my pool's circulatory system, but let's guess that it is 37.5 gallons per minute provided by my 1.5 HP pump motor. The time constant is therefor 200 minutes. 600 minutes (10 hours) would be needed for a 95% water turnover. It all makes perfect sense to me, so I thank you tremendously!
@JustSayN2O your flow is almost certainly higher than this. I mean there is a lot to know and then consider, but a more average number would be 60 to 80gpm for 1.5" pipes and 80 to 100gpm for 2" pipes. Single speed pumps move water very quickly which is very much not in the best interest of efficiency. This is why a 24/7 slow and low filtration schedule is the most optimal for pool owners (utilizing a variable speed pump). Interesting timing with your comment especially given that I had a general anesthetic yesterday, during which I woke up during the end stages of the procedure. I suppose I know why now lol!
@@Swimmingpoolsteve
2" PVC, single speed pump, agree more likely 75 gallons per minute. A five-hour run would theoretically turn over 95% of the water. But would that be a sufficient length of time for chlorine generation?
Best wishes during your recovery. Stay well ! I hope the early awareness wasn't painful or traumatic. If so then let the doctors know.
Perhaps , other variables , where you live , Toronto versus Florida, trees , shade , sun, how often pool is used ? I think trial and error is required to some degree. ? Your thoughts ? ..
I didn't know this was a question at all. My pump runs 24/7 ... I never shut it off while it's running. It's only ever off during the winter when it's closed.
Thank you for taking the time to create your videos - VERY helpful! Learned a ton in a short time - now I am implementing your ideas! Saving $$ keeping us safe.
Thank you for being thorough and explain it easily understood
Steve I have a new pool installed With a Hayword vs900 2.7hp pump. Pool is 30,000 gallon and pump is variable speed. What is I deal settings to run filter. Thanks.
What’s the best sanitizer/ chlorine/ shock to use in salt water pool ?
Thanks
Hi, Thabks for all of your helpful videos. I have an intex 16×48" AGP. Approx 5436 gallons(90%) I fear that when I upgraded my filter I may have gone to big. I got a 2800gph 14" sand filter. So by my calculations running the pump for 6hrs aday would turn the pool over 3x. Is that ok? I have yet to hook up sand pump. Could go smaller if necessary unfortunately I saw your channel after making my upgrade purchase. Thanks for your time!
Bigger pump and filter is better than smaller pump and filter to be sure. Something like what you have you could run for a few hours during the day and a few hours at night and definitely make your minimum turnover rates.
its always 6 hours minimum for an avg 15-20,000 gallon pool @ 2,100 to 2,300 RPM. if its getting green bump up to 8 hours. winter time lower the speed with a VSP 1250 - 1500 RPM and go 10 hours. ALL GOOD just use that as a general rule of thumb and keep an eye on your electric bill.
don't overthink it.
Would you still use a timer when running a variable speed pump? I'm currently installing a Pentair SuperFlow VST as well as a IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator. Thanks in advance!
Usually the internal clock and programming on a new VS pump replaces the need for an external timer. Many people in your situation will be wondering about the control for the salt cell. Normally the salt system is wired on a contactor system that only energizes when the pump circuit from the timer is live. If you upgrade to a VS pump then it is on 24/7 now so how does this work? The first way is that you rely on the flow switch from the salt system to only turn on when the flow from your VS pump is powerful enough. This takes some tinkering with speeds while watching the salt system status. Some systems might not like operating like this and will throw out errors. In theory this system works, but it makes me nervous that the mechanical flow switch is the only thing between you and an H-bomb in your plumbing system, which is what happens if your salt system continues to generate under no flow conditions. First generation salt systems were...an interesting time. The alternative would be to make use of a timer to control the salt cell from energizing when you do not want it to. The pump can be programmed to have speeds suitable for chlorine generation, and then the external timer programmed to energize the salt circuit within these hours.
How do I find out if I have a flow meter? My pool builder is a bit difficult on communicating with us. 🤔
Here in Spain the cost of domestic electricity is a fraction of the price during the night time hours and therefore I run my pump for 10 hours during the nighttime but not at all during the day. Do you think this is an acceptable practice?
I currently run a VSP from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2750 then lower to 1750 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Do you recommend a lower setting for a few more hours to gain more turnover?
I just upgraded my pump to a Hayward vs. Can my new pump run at a low rpm for 24/7? If so, how long can my new motor last that way? Thanks
Steve, I came across your video as I was looking for some more information on running my pool system. It is a new home for me with a 30,000 gallon inground pool, Inteliflow pump and Tagelus 100 sand filter. I replaced the filter pressure gauge and added a flow meter after the filter. What I am finding is that in order to at least do a turnover every 10hrs, I need to be running at 2200 RPM with a flow rate of 50gpm. If I were to try to go for 3 turnovers, I'd have to run it at 3100 RPM. I'm sure I'm still saving money compared to a fixed speed pump but does this sound right?
Yes this sounds right for a quite large swimming pool. Some pool owners do elect to filter less water daily. I like to endorse 3 turnovers daily. You are saving money with this reduced schedule, as the 2200 RPM operation in specific likely uses very little power.
@@Swimmingpoolsteve I appreciate the timely response. On another note, when does one know when it's time to change the filter media in a sand filter?
Thanks for your info Steve
Thanks Steve, great info. I bought the variable speed pump, it has saved me A BUNCH on chemicals.
Can you recommend a Flo Meter?
I have a write up on the flow meters here: www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/flow-meters.html
@@Swimmingpoolsteve Thank you so much!! You're my new/best go to guy...
It doesnt save you any money on chemicals, u still need the same amount of chemicals for the same size pool.
Do you have a flow meter you recommend?
I do: www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/flow-meters.html
great info sir, thanks
Now a video on persuading the wife to order a $75.00 flow meter.
Speaking with an engineer and designer of flow meters they explained that in California (expensive electricity) a variable speed pump running at 2400 RPM instead of 2500 RPM would save over $250 per year in electricity (based on 24/7 schedule). The point of this is that the savings from being able to dial in your flow far outweight he cost of the instrumentation needed to monitor your flow.
what about copper sulfate
Thank you! Very clear information!
No question is flawed, only answers are flawed. If you don't know something, you ask questions to learn.
I never shut mine off.
Me either I was about to then I said fuck it let it run
what is a turn over?
A turnover is the volume of the pool passing through the filtration equipment one time
If I run my Hayward 1.5hp Super Pump 1 speed for an in ground pool 24 hours, & 6 months every year, how many years will my pump last?
Upwards of 14 years. Of course this overlooks about 100 factors which could make it last less. Also, that would be horrendously inefficient and you would undoubtedly benefit from a variable speed pump to lower.your operating costs.
Does this guy also have a concrete channel ??
He does. Creating Concrete (with Steve) www.youtube.com/@creatingconcrete
@@Swimmingpoolsteve that's a lot of work. much appreciated
Should I put my vis-a-flow before my pump? Or is there a better place?
After the filter is where it should go.
@@Swimmingpoolsteve thank you
I believe you know your stuff but I feel you are evading the question how long should I run the filter for a in ground pool of 20,000 gals?
I am not sure what you mean by evading but anyway here is a long video where I show in explicit detail how long to run a pump for a 20,000 gallon pool. Short answer is 24/7 which is the same answer for every pool, now the new question is how to program a pump to run 24/7 and filter the right amount 9f water for a 20k gallon pool. Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/X7DHyFCw_28/v-deo.html
You wouldn’t turn your pump off unless you were replacing the pump, cleaning the strainer or you stop it to do a backwash
With a variable speed pump, certainly yes. Single speed pump it will be awfully expensive to run 24/7 and so a flow meter would be great to let you know exactly how many hours you need to run in order to actually achieve the 3x or 4x turnover rates. But yes, in theory you can run your pump 24/7 and only turn off to backwash or clean strainer baskets etc and that would be just fine for the pump and the pool water...just a little heavy on the pocketbook due to so much electricity costs.
Shit I run my in ground swimming pool 24/7 my family is worth more then money lol. And we use chlorine and shock it also and M- acid. Brush the pool also and vacuum it. So
I think we’re safe maybe a little over kill but I’ll do this all day just to keep my family safe.
We don’t even worry about light or water bills lol. I love being a third generation swimming pool builder builder. And being a license electrician and license HVAC it really helps out knowing all these jobs well having licenses. And I can pretty much do it all whatever you need around ur house but I need my plumbers license but I bet I got more skills then one with a license I’ve been doing swimming pool plumbing for over 15 years and going.
This video was published on my birthday when I turned 25
I turn my pool pump on for 12 hours then shut it off for 12, I hope that’s good enough.
It was a simple question...
24 / 7 so you don't want me to ever turn filter off hmmm why even make this video ?
Geez I guess you would have to watch the videos to find out
Dude get to the answer
Variable speed pumps suck
? What? Why?
@@paulsteele8079 Why lol, well lets see, they cost $1400 and a single cost $400, they dont save enough energy to pay for the difference within the pumps service life. They just run longer and slower which doesnt give enough flow when you want to run a cleaner or put in chemicals. The filter doesnt work as good as well as the skimmer.The computer is vunerable to lightning and electrical surges. They cant be repaired - including the pump its sealed! The internal battery for the computer only last a few years and its not replaceable. The only way out is to pay another $1400. My neighbor had one and in 4 years he had to replace it. Because of the battery failing. I have a single speed pump, it ran for 5 years, it got noisy bought a new motor. It was up and running in an hour and replaced the bearings in the old one for a spare. It just technology overkill for something simple which will just cost and cost you. Would you like to hear more?
Laughable and everyone saying great video. He just sold all of you on his advertisement behind him and I bet 90% of you researched that site. He never stated when to run the pool pump. Just sold you all a product…
Huh?
In my opinion pool pumps and chlorine generators need to run 24/7. My hot tub can get away with the eco mode on for the pump but that’s because hot tubs have way more sanitizer in them (I’ve never seen a green hot tub) also if you use your pool allot u gotta run that pump.