During the summertime when your pool's in high use, the amount of time you run your swimming pool filters and pumps should be increased. But how much time is the right amount of time when it comes to how to clean a pool and keep it clean?

Why You Need Your Pump

Running your pump on a regular basis is just part of regular pool maintenance. The pump is the heart of your pool's circulation system, clearing out debris and keeping the chemicals properly mixed so that the pool water remains sanitary. How often you run your swimming pool filters and pumps will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

• The size of the pool
• How often the pool is being used
• How much debris your pool collects/if the pool is regularly covered

Calculating Your Pump's Running Time

This calculation can be used as a general guide for determining how long you should run your pump for proper pool maintenance:

(Pool volume/filtration rate) x 2 = Hours necessary to run a filter

So let's say you have a 20,000 gallon pool and a filtration rate of 3000 gallons per hour. Your equation would look like this:

(20,000/3000) x 2 = 13.333 or 13 hours and 20 minutes during a 24 hour period of time

Other Factors to Consider

Again, this equation is intended to give you a general idea of how to clean a pool and keep it clean during the summer months. The size and type of pump that you have can also play a large role in how long you run your pump (as well as your operating costs). Having a smaller, high-efficiency pump may allow you to run the pump for anywhere from a third to half the amount of time of that of a larger and older pump. Keep an eye on your water and remember to test it frequently to ensure that the water stays clean and healthy.