Can You Run a Pool Filter and Pump with Pool Cover On

Keeping the pool filtration system run is indispensable if you want to keep your pool crystal clear. The pool pump moves the water through the filter and removes the algae, debris, and dirt from your pool.

As we put the solar cover on the pool, we get confused about whether we should run the filter or not. And this guide will help you to discover all the answers related to this question: Can you run a pool filter with the cover on? So, keep reading between the lines.

Can You Run A Pool Filter With The Cover On?

Yes, you can run a pool filter with the cover on. Putting the cover over the pool, you just need to filter the water for 2-3 hours to keep the water crystal clear. If the pool cover is solid and doesn’t allow the light to go through, you need little chlorine to disinfect your pool. In addition, a bottle of algaecide 60 will last for the entire season.

In short, you can put the cover on your swimming pool and run the filter and pump too. Keep in mind; the filter doesn’t move the water- the pump does it. The pool pump will move the water through the filter to leave your pool dirt-free. Indeed, whether the cover is on or off the pool, it doesn’t affect the pump to circulate water.

With the solar cover on your pool, it will make the top two feet of water warm. And the rest of the water will remain cold. As you keep the pump on, it circulates the water. Indeed, it moves the warm water to mix with the cooler water.

To sum up, you can run the filter while the cover is on without any doubt.

Is It Essential To Run Pool Filter In the Winter If the Pool Is Covered? 

Yes, it’s necessary to run your pool filter in the winter season while the pool is covered with a solar or winter cover. But cut down the runtime to save electricity bills. We recommend you keep the pool filter running for a short period of the day. Specifically, it would be ok to run the filter for 2-3 hours a day.

You can test it by running the filter for an hour and see how it works & performs. Then, adjust the runtime according to your need. Indeed, running the pool filter when the cover is on the pool will help to keep the swimming pool clean.

Should Pool Equipment Be Covered

Every pool equipment is specially designed to keep them outdoors. You don’t need to worry about it if you take care of the pool equipment. However, many pool owners recommend or love to cover the pool pump or filter.

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic area or winter regions, it would be best to cover the pool pump and filter. Extra snow, wind, and rain can damage the filter or pool pump by freezing, corroding, and rusting. The scorching sun can even fade or peel off the plastic material.

You can use everything from plastic sheets to custom enclosures made of wood or metal to cover the pool pump and filter. Also, you can take the pump & filter into a protected area like a garage or shed.

When you decide to cover the pump & filter, ensure you store them in a well-ventilated area. Otherwise, a tight enclosure can allow condensation to build up inside, which can cause more harm to your equipment than the cover prevents.

Should I Leave My Pool Pump On All The Time?

No, you don’t need to leave your pool pump on all the time. Running the pool pump all night will not be friendly to the environment and your pocket.

Generally, it will be effective to run the pump for several hours a day to circulate water and keep the pool crystal clear. However, how long you should operate the pump depends on the pool size and how much you use the pool.

If you have a small pool, it should be okay to run your pool pump for 5-6 hours. But you can never operate the pump below five hours to circulate and filter the water optimally.

On the other hand, you should run the pump for eight hours if you have a large pool and use it more often. Ensure you check the chemical balance and water clarity every time you run the pump.

We recommend running a small pump for fewer hours to clean the water. It will also reduce the electricity bills.

Should You Run The Pool Pump Or Filter For Less Time In The Winter Months?

It depends on multiple factors. For example, you can run the filter continuously if you have a variable pump. Regarding this, just ramp the RPM very low. It will cost you only the bills operating a light bulb requires. For controlling the RPM Choosing an energy-efficient pool pump or variable speed pump will be the best option for you.

However, you don’t need to run the pump or filter for a long time in the winter months. You should run the filter 4-8 hours per day if you are not winterizing your pool, depending on the outside temperature & weather.

Also, you should consider the filter efficiency & effectiveness, water balance levels, chlorine level, and the dirt that enters your pool.

Can I Turn Off My Pool Filter In The Winter?

It depends on where you live. If you live in a cold climate like the Mid-Atlantic,  it’s a must to close the valves and drain the pump & filter to keep them safe. In this case, you should pretreat and shock your pool in the spring when you open up the pool for the first time.

On the other hand, you should treat the pool continuously throughout the winter if you live in a warm climate.

However, you can turn off the pool filter in the winter if you have a pool cover that seals any light from entering your pool. In this case, make sure the chlorine level is high before turning off the pool filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Cover My Above Ground Pool In The Summer

Yes, you should cover your above-ground pool in the summer. In the summer, water evaporates faster than ever and a greater amount of water will disappear from your pool. If you put a cover on your pool, it reduces the evaporation rate. Therefore, covering the pool will also prevent dirt, debris, and leaves from dropping into your pool. As a result, your swimming pool will remain neat & clean.

Can You Run Pool Pump With Solar Cover On?

Yes, you can run the pool pump with the solar cover on. While running the pump with the cover on your pool, it circulates the water by conserving the heat. Indeed, no heat loss will occur if you run the pool pump with the solar cover on.

Conclusion

We hope you get the answer to your question- Can you run a pool filter with the cover on?

Yes, you can run the filter to keep the pool water crystal clear by operating the filter just for 2-3 or 4-5 hours a day. However, you can also turn off the filter if you decide to close the pool for the winter season. In this case, you should ensure the chlorine level of the water is high.

We recommend you get advice from the pool installer or pool professional regarding this.

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