Pool Pump Runtime Calculator
Find the optimal daily pump runtime and energy cost based on your pool size and pump specs.
gal
Pump Flow Rate
GPM
×/day
$/kWh
Hours for 1 Turnover
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Recommended Daily Runtime
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Variable Speed Pump Tip
A variable speed pump (VSP) can save up to 65% on energy costs compared to a single-speed pump. At lower RPMs, the pump moves the same volume of water but uses far less electricity. Many utilities offer rebates for VSP upgrades.
How Many Hours Should Your Pool Pump Run?
The standard recommendation is to turn over your pool's entire volume at least once per day — twice per day in summer or for heavily used pools. One turnover = all the water passes through the filter once.
Formula: Hours per turnover = Pool volume (gal) ÷ (GPM × 60). Total daily runtime = Hours per turnover × Turnovers per day.
Energy cost: kW = HP × 0.746. Daily cost = kW × hours × $/kWh.
Tip: Run the pump during off-peak electricity hours (typically nights and early mornings) to reduce costs. Many utilities have time-of-use pricing where off-peak rates are 30–50% cheaper.