How often should I run my pool pump?

Run your pump about 8 to 12 hours a day as a general rule, roughly 1 hour for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of air temperature (so about 8 hours at 80F, 10 hours at 100F). Below 40F, run it continuously to prevent freeze damage. A common variable-speed schedule is about 12 hours total: 3 to 4 hours on high plus 8 to 9 hours on low. Source: swimuniversity.com.

What size pump, filter, or heater do I need for my pool?

Size the pump so the whole pool turns over in about 8 hours (pool gallons divided by 8 = required gallons per hour). Size the filter to at least 1 square foot of area per 10,000 gallons, with a GPM rating that meets or exceeds the pump's. Size the heater using BTU per hour = surface area (sq ft) x desired temperature rise (F) x 12. Sources: swimuniversity.com, aquacal.com.

How long does a pool filter cartridge last?

Cartridge filters typically last 1 to 3 years. Heavy use, year-round heating, or lots of debris shortens that toward 1 year; light seasonal use with regular gentle cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks stretches it toward 3. Replace it when you see persistent high pressure after cleaning, weaker flow, torn pleats or cracked end caps, stubborn staining, or needing cleaning more often than before. Sources: swimuniversity.com, allfilters.com.

How often should I test my pool water and clean the strainer/skimmer baskets?

Test your water chemistry 2 to 3 times a week, more often if the pool gets heavy use. Target pH is 7.2 to 7.8 and total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm. Empty the pump's strainer basket and the skimmer basket at least once a week. Source: familyhandyman.com.

How often should I backwash a sand or DE filter, or clean a cartridge filter?

Cartridge filters need a hose-off and deep clean 1 to 2 times a year and don't require backwashing. Sand filters should be backwashed whenever the pressure gauge rises, and the sand replaced every 5 to 7 years. DE filters should be backflushed when the pressure gauge rises, then recharged with fresh DE powder per the manufacturer's instructions. Source: familyhandyman.com.

How long do refunds take, and are defective items covered under warranty?

After an approved return is received and inspected, refunds are issued to the original payment method within 10 business days; original shipping fees are not refunded. Defective items are covered by the manufacturer's warranty rather than MSP Supply directly, so customers contact the manufacturer to start a warranty claim.

Pool Equipment FAQ: Pump Runtime, Sizing & Filter Life

Q: What is your return policy?

Returns are accepted within 15 calendar days of delivery. The item must be unopened, unused, and in its original packaging; it cannot have been opened, installed, or show signs of use.

Q: How do I start a return?

Email sales@myswimmingpoolequipment.com with your order number within 15 days of delivery. If approved, MSP Supply issues a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) with instructions. Ship the item back unopened and unused; the customer covers return shipping unless MSP Supply shipped the wrong item.

Q: Do you accept exchanges?

No, MSP Supply does not offer direct exchanges. To get a different item, return the eligible product for a refund and place a new order separately.

Q: What items can't be returned?

Chemicals, hazardous materials, and flammable liquids or gases; custom or special-order items; sale or discounted products and gift cards; and any item that has been opened, installed, or shows signs of use.

Home Pool Equipment FAQ: Pump Runtime, Sizing & Filter Life | MSP Supply

Pumps, Filters & HeatersInteractive sizing tools & runtime calculator Cleaning & Maintenance Schedule2 questions on testing & filter care Orders & Returns5 questions on returns & refunds

Cleaning & Maintenance Schedule

2 questions

How often should I test my water and clean the baskets? Weekly testing rhythm plus pH and alkalinity targets.

Test chemistry 2–3 times a week (more if the pool sees heavy use), and empty the pump strainer basket and skimmer basket at least once a week.

How often should I backwash or clean my filter? Cartridge, sand, and DE filters each work differently.

Cartridge filters just need a hose-off/deep clean 1–2 times a year. Sand and DE filters get backwashed/backflushed whenever the pressure gauge rises — sand should be replaced every 5–7 years.

Orders & Returns

5 questions

What is your return policy? The window, condition requirements, and where to read more.

Returns are accepted within 15 calendar days of delivery. The item must be unopened, unused, and in its original packaging — we can’t accept it once it’s been opened or installed. Read our full Return Policy.

How do I start a return? The 4-step process, from emailing us to getting refunded.

Email us your order number, we’ll send a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and instructions, then you ship the item back. Here’s how it works:

Do you accept exchanges? Short answer: return for a refund, then reorder.

We don’t offer direct exchanges. If you need a different item, return the eligible product for a refund and place a new order.

What items can't be returned? Chemicals, custom orders, and a few other exceptions.

Chemicals, hazardous materials, and flammable liquids/gases
Custom or special-order items
Sale/discounted products and gift cards
Anything that’s been opened, installed, or shows signs of use

How long do refunds take, and what about warranty? Refund timing, plus how defective-item warranty claims work.

Once we’ve received and inspected an approved return, refunds go back to your original payment method within 10 business days (original shipping fees aren’t refunded). Defective items are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty — MSP Supply doesn’t process warranty claims directly, so you’ll contact the manufacturer to start one.

Didn’t find your answer? We’re happy to help.

Email support@msppool.com

Pool Calculator

What size pump, filter, or heater?

Tell us your pool's shape and we'll calculate volume, required flow, and starting equipment ranges.

Pool shape

Rectangle measurements (feet)

Length

Width

Shallow depth

Deep depth

Turnover goal

System resistance (total dynamic head)

Equipment recommendations

Starting pump range for your pool

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Variable-speed pumps are generally recommended when appropriate — they let you dial in exactly the flow you need instead of running full-blast or not at all.

Plumbing size check

Important: pump selection shouldn't be based on horsepower alone. The pump you choose must be able to produce your required GPM at your system's actual total dynamic head, according to the manufacturer's performance curve. Use the horsepower ranges above as a general starting guide only.

Pool size	Sand filter	Cartridge filter

Your filter's rated design flow should accommodate your pump's operating flow. Excessive flow through an undersized filter doesn't damage the tank outright — but it can cause poor filtration, increased pressure, and reduced performance. Always check the manufacturer's rated flow.

Cartridge filter lifespan: a cartridge element typically lasts 1–3 years. Watch for pressure that stays high even after cleaning, noticeably weaker flow from the jets, torn pleats or cracked end caps, stubborn staining that won't rinse out, or needing to clean it more often than before — any of these usually mean it's time to replace the cartridge.

Pool size	Gas / Propane	Heat Pump

These are general starting ranges, not absolute requirements. Add the Pool Heater Calculator section to this page for a size estimate based on your actual temperatures and pool surface area.

Filter capacity

Your filter must be able to accommodate the system's operating flow — check its rated/design flow, not just its size.

Plumbing size

Make sure your required GPM is appropriate for your pool's plumbing diameter — undersized pipe restricts flow and adds resistance.

Variable speed

Variable-speed pumps give you far more control over flow and can run efficiently at lower RPM for everyday circulation.

Equipment sizing is based on general industry guidelines and the information entered above. Actual system requirements may vary. Verify equipment specifications and manufacturer requirements before installation.

How often should you run your pump?

Move the sliders below and watch your recommended runtime update instantly.

Your setup

Pool volume (gallons) Using the pool volume calculated below.

Turnover goal

How long it should take to circulate the entire pool once.

Pump speed

20%40%60%80%100%

Or type an exact RPM. Typical variable-speed pump max: ~3450 RPM.

Recommended for you

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Hours / day

Recommended run time

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Estimated flow (GPM)

Estimate

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Turnover time (hrs)

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Pump speed (RPM)

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Pump speed (%)

Flow is estimated, not exact. Without your pump's manufacturer performance curve, we approximate flow as scaling with speed — actual flow depends on your system's total dynamic head. Variable-speed pumps can often save real energy by running longer at a lower speed rather than briefly at full speed.

Size your pool heater

Change your temperatures below and see your estimated heater size and heat-up time update instantly.

Your pool & temperatures

Pool surface area & volume Reused automatically from the Equipment Sizing Calculator above: — sq ft, — gallons.

Current water temp (°F)

Target water temp (°F)

Average air temperature (°F) Used to estimate heat pump performance — heat pumps deliver less output in cooler air.

Heater type

Temperature rise: —°F (target − current)

Estimated heat-up time

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Hours

Estimated heat-up time

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Estimated heater size (BTU)

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Total BTUs needed

About this estimate. —

General heater size guide

Pool size	Gas / Propane	Heat Pump

Use a pool cover

Evaporation is one of the largest sources of pool heat loss. A cover can substantially reduce heat loss and improve heating efficiency.

Heat during warmer conditions

Heat pumps generally perform better when ambient air is warmer, so heating on mild days is more efficient than during cold snaps.

Avoid undersizing

A larger-capacity heater generally reaches your target temperature faster, but equipment should still match your pool, plumbing, and gas/electrical service.