How Long You Should Run Your Pool Pump in Autumn

As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, many pool owners start wondering how long they should run their pool pumps in autumn. It’s not quite swimming season anymore, but you still want to keep your water clean and your equipment running well. So, how do you find the right balance?

Why You Still Need to Run Your Pool Pump in Autumn

Even though you might not be swimming as often, your pool still needs some care. Leaves, dirt, and debris can quickly pile up during autumn. If left alone, this mess can lead to blocked filters, dirty water, and even algae growth.

Your pool pump and filter work together to keep the water circulating and clean. Without regular circulation, your pool can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and no one wants that, even if you’re not diving in every day.

What’s the Ideal Pump Run Time?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but a general rule is to run your pump for about 4 to 6 hours a day during autumn. This is less than what you’d need in the summer (which can be 8 hours or more), but still enough to keep things ticking over.

A few things to keep in mind:

Pool size: Larger pools may need longer run times to push all the water through the filter
Location: If your pool sits under trees that shed a lot of leaves, you might want to run the pump longer or more frequently
Water temperature: Colder water slows down algae growth, so you don’t need as much filtration time

Protecting Your Pool Pump in Cooler Weather

With cooler nights and chilly winds, autumn is the time to start thinking about protecting your equipment. A good pool pump cover can help keep your pump safe from rain, frost, and falling leaves. It helps prevent wear and tear and extends your pump’s life.

A pool pump cover also reduces noise, shields the motor, and can keep small animals from nesting inside the unit. It’s a small investment that can save you money in the long run.

Keep an Eye on Your Heating Needs

While some people shut down their pool for the season, others like to keep swimming a bit longer, especially if they’ve got the best pool heat pump working its magic. Autumn doesn’t mean freezing just yet, and a swimming pool heat pump can extend your swimming season well into October.

If you’re heating your pool, you might need to run your pool pumps a little longer. This is because heat pumps need water to flow to work properly. No water flow = no heating. So if you’re relying on a swimming pool heat pump, consider adding an extra hour or two to your pump run time.

Keep Things Clean and Simple

Autumn means more falling leaves and debris. So even though you’re not swimming as much, your pool can get messier than usual. Make it easier on your pool pump and filter by scooping out leaves regularly and checking your skimmer baskets.

Here are a few quick tips:

Clean the surface daily if you’re near trees
Clean your filter every couple of weeks
Check for any strange noises from your pump; this might mean a blockage
Use a pool cover if you’re not planning to swim much; it’ll reduce debris and save energy