Free tool for Scottsdale & Phoenix pool owners

Pool Pump Run Time Calculator for Arizona

Find how many hours a day to run your pool pump this month, a schedule that stays out of APS and SRP on-peak hours, and what it costs to run. Built on Valley heat, not a national rule of thumb.

1. Your pool

I know my gallons Measure my pool

Pool volume (gallons)

Most Valley backyard pools hold 15,000–25,000 gallons.

2. Your pump Pump type Horsepower (on the motor label) Flow at filter speed, GPM (optional)

We estimate flow from horsepower. A flow meter or your variable-speed pump's display gives a better number.

3. Season and conditions Month

Salt water pool (salt cell) Trees, desert landscaping or lots of dust nearby Swum in most days Water is cloudy or green, or chlorine won't hold

4. Electricity Your electric plan Price per kWh ($)

Check your latest bill. On-peak hours change from time to time, so confirm yours with APS or SRP.

Typical pump run times in the Valley, month by month

For a 20,000-gallon pool. Single-speed assumes a 1½ HP pump (about 65 GPM). Variable-speed assumes a low filter speed of about 30 GPM.

Month	Avg. high	Turnovers a day	Single-speed	Variable-speed
January	67°F	1	5.5 hrs	11.5 hrs
February	71°F	1	5.5 hrs	11.5 hrs
March	78°F	1.25	6.5 hrs	14 hrs
April	86°F	1.5	8 hrs	17 hrs
May	95°F	1.75	9 hrs	19.5 hrs
June	104°F	2	10.5 hrs	22.5 hrs
July	106°F	2	10.5 hrs	22.5 hrs
August	105°F	2	10.5 hrs	22.5 hrs
September	100°F	1.75	9 hrs	19.5 hrs
October	89°F	1.5	8 hrs	17 hrs
November	76°F	1.25	6.5 hrs	14 hrs
December	66°F	1	5.5 hrs	11.5 hrs

How the calculation works

A turnover is the time your pump takes to move the pool's full volume through the filter:

Hours per turnover = gallons ÷ GPM ÷ 60

A 20,000-gallon pool on a pump moving 65 gallons a minute turns over in about 5 hours. In January one turnover a day is usually enough. From June through August, with water in the high 80s and 90s, algae grows fast and chlorine burns off quickly, so we plan for two turnovers a day and never less than 8 hours on a single-speed pump. Trees, dust storms and heavy swimming add more.

Variable-speed pumps run longer at a low speed. Because power falls steeply as speed drops, 20 hours at low speed often costs a fraction of 10 hours on a single-speed pump. Salt cells only make chlorine while water is flowing, so a salt pool needs enough hours for the cell to keep up.

When more run time won't fix it

If your pump already runs 12 hours or more and the water is still cloudy or green, the problem is usually flow, not hours. Common causes:

A dirty or worn filter that needs cleaning or replacement
Clogged skimmer or pump baskets, or a pump losing prime
A pump that is undersized, worn, noisy or tripping the breaker
Water chemistry that is out of balance

Our technicians handle pool pump repair and replacement, filter repairs, salt system service and green pool cleanups across Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. Or let us take it off your plate with weekly pool service.

Pool pump run time questions

How long should I run my pool pump in Arizona?

In the summer, most single-speed pumps in Scottsdale and Phoenix need about 8 to 12 hours a day. That is enough to turn the water over twice. In winter, 4 to 6 hours is usually enough. Variable-speed pumps run longer at a low speed, often 12 to 24 hours in July and August, and still cost less to run.

How do I calculate how long to run my pool pump?

Divide your pool volume in gallons by the pump flow in gallons per minute, then divide by 60. That gives the hours for one turnover. Multiply by the number of turnovers you need: about one a day in winter and about two a day in an Arizona summer.

Is it better to run my pool pump during the day or at night?

Circulating during daylight helps, because sun and heat are when chlorine burns off and algae grows. If you are on an APS or SRP time-of-use plan, run early in the morning and pick back up after the on-peak window ends to keep your bill down.

Should I run my variable-speed pump 24 hours a day?

Many Valley owners run variable-speed pumps most of the day in summer at a low speed, because it costs little and keeps water moving. Add an hour or two at a higher speed for skimming, the pool cleaner and the salt cell, which needs a minimum flow to make chlorine.

Why is my pool still green when the pump runs all day?

Run time alone cannot fix a dirty filter, low flow, a pump losing prime or unbalanced chemistry. If the pump runs 12 hours or more and the water still turns, it is time for a pump and filter check.

When does a pool pump need repair or replacement?

Arizona heat and long summer run hours are hard on pump motors and seals. Watch for grinding or screeching noises, leaks at the pump, loss of prime, a motor that runs hot or trips the breaker, and weak flow at the returns. Optimal Pool Care repairs and replaces pool pumps across Scottsdale and the Phoenix area.

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