As every pool owner knows, all pool systems require maintenance so that the water remains clear and fresh. Water clarity is a combination of maintaining the chemical balance of the pond and proper filtration. You can also determine how long the filter needs to be on in the pool, based on the volume and speed of the filter.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Calculating Filter Flash Time per Day
Step 1. Determine the volume of the pool
How long the filter needs to be on depends on the size of the pool to the filter ratio. Calculate the volume of the pool by multiplying the length, width, and height.
- Multiply this number by the standard multiplier, which is 7.5 for rectangular pools and 6 for other shapes.
- Example: 6*3*2*7.5 = 270. This gives you the volume in liters for a 6 x 3 meter pool with a depth of 2 meters.
- If the pool has different depth areas, calculate the volume of each depth area before adding them up and finding the total pool volume.
Step 2. Find the pump flow rate
Include flow resistance in the piping system. You can estimate a pool piping resistance of 27 Newton-meters for small ponds, and 54.5 Newton-meters for large ponds or installations where the pool pump is located away from the pool area.
- The pump manufacturer can tell you the flow rate for a certain resistance.
- An average 1 HP pump will move about 190 liters per minute. This is 11,400 liters per hour.
Step 3. Calculate the pool rotation rate
The minimum pool turnover rate for a pool is 2 completes in a 24 hour period. Use this equation to find the length of time the filter must be turned on: (Pool Volume Filter Level) x 2 = Number of Hours to run the filter. The result will show the number of hours it took the pump to perform a full filter 2 times.
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For example, take a pool volume of 270 liters and add a filtration rate of 11,400 liters per hour:
- (Pool Volume Filtering Rate) x 2 = Hours to run the filter
- (270 11,400) x 2 = 0.045, or about 3 minutes for 2 full cycles.
Method 2 of 2: Following the Basic Rules of Filtering
Step 1. Turn on the filter 1 hour every 12 °C outdoors
A rule of thumb that you can follow throughout the year is to turn on the filter depending on the temperature. In winter, keep it on for 6 hours or less, while in summer, you must turn it on for a full 12 hours.
At 27 °C or more, the filter is recommended to be run for 10-12 hours
Step 2. Run during the day when the pool water is at its hottest
These warm temperatures are when algae are most likely to start growing in the pond water. Run the filter with chlorine throughout the day in this case to avoid algae build-up in the pond.
While it can save energy, turning on the filter at night does not help prevent algae growth when the opportunity arises
Step 3. Turn on the filter 10-12 hours a day
Pool filters are designed to work 12 hours a day consistently. You can run it on a low setting, and then a high setting when adding chlorine or other cleaners to the water.
- Thus, you ensure that the entire contents of the pool are filtered at least 2 times a day.
- If you have a small filter, run the filter longer depending on the number of liters of filter that can be processed in a given time. Don't worry about the filter working too long. Better filter on too long.
Step 4. Clean the replacement pool filter after a certain period of use
Over the life of the pool, the filter needs to be cleaned so it doesn't get dirty or clogged. Otherwise, you will have to keep the filter on longer to get the desired result.
Tips
- Check pool water regularly for insects, plants, dirt, and other contaminants. Filter the surface with a net, and suck the bottom and sides of the pool.
- Use a pH and chlorine tester to see how much chlorine is in the water if the pond has an automatic feeder.
- Test the pool balance regularly. Pool supply stores usually have good kits and chemicals. Ask for recommendations to get the best device for your needs.
- Add chemicals at night when the sun doesn't evaporate the chlorine in the pool
- Run the pool pump at night to keep the pump running cooler.
