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Pool Pump Run Time Calculator

Reviewed 2026-04

How long to run your pool pump per day, with annual electricity cost and variable-speed pump savings comparison.

Built on CDC and ANSI pool-water standards

Shopping for a pump? How to choose one on flow at your actual head →Replacing your pump? Size a new one first → Pump Size Calculator

Use a measured flow rate — from a flow meter, or the operating point on your pump's performance curve at the speed you actually run it. Horsepower does not tell you this: the same pump moves very different volumes depending on its speed and how much resistance your plumbing puts up, and a figure guessed from the label can be double the truth, which halves every runtime and cost below.

Optional: Electricity cost estimate

National average: $0.15/kWh. Check your utility bill for your rate.

Optional alternative operating scenario

Use measured watts and flow at the same proposed RPM. The comparison moves the same daily volume; verify equipment minimum flow separately.

Confirm your inputs

Examples remain unconfirmed until you check each value. Confirm fresh test results and your measured pool volume before using a dose. Editing a value clears its confirmation.

Shopping for a pump?

We are not naming models. Pump lines get discontinued while retail listings outlive them, and this is the most expensive thing on the site — so choose on your own numbers. Fill in the form for your required flow, then work through the selection checklist.

Frequently asked questions

How is runtime calculated?

Runtime is pool gallons times the chosen daily turnovers divided by measured gallons per minute and 60. Turnover is a planning measure, not proof that all water has passed the filter or that sanitation is adequate. Check the minimum flow and run conditions required by the cell, heater and other equipment.

What if the result exceeds 24 hours?

That flow cannot deliver the requested daily volume. The tool reports the minimum flow needed within 24 hours and the achievable turnovers at the entered flow. Do not set an impossible timer schedule.

How are savings estimated?

Only as an explicit comparison of entered watts and flow at an equal daily water volume. The alternative must finish within 24 hours. Real bills also depend on measured power at that operating speed, local tariffs and season. No fixed percentage savings is assumed.

Are all pumps over one horsepower banned?

No universal nameplate-horsepower ban is asserted here. Applicable efficiency requirements depend on equipment class, hydraulic horsepower and jurisdiction. Verify a specific replacement with the manufacturer and applicable rules.

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How we calculate this
Our formulas follow ANSI pool-water standards and are validated against CDC pool-water health code guidelines. We show you the math so you can verify every result. Questions or corrections? Please contact us.