Some of the more modern pumps have enough water in them to allow the pump to run dry for quite a long time before seal damage occurs. With regular use, most pool pumps last 8 to 12 years before needing replacement. These seals allow the impeller to be powered from a power source outside the pump body while maintaining a pressure difference inside and outside the pump body. If the pump is run dry for less than 45-60 seconds, the pump should not suffer damage. You don't need to run the pump that long anyway, just a few hours a day, up to six. I shut off my side wall skimmer, and turn bottom drain on full open. Your pool should not go long without running as you will run into problems from not circulating and filtering the pool which will end up costing you in the long run in chlorine costs to correct the future algae issue. Common Causes of Damage to Swimming Pool Pumps. It may shorten the life of the motor. As a matter of fact, the device checks constantly the active power of the motor, which is the minimum value of the instantaneous power absorbed by the pump, through the reception of information about the voltage, … Was told run it for 24 hours for 5 days (brush daily) by the pool company. Running a pump dry will not damage the motor bearings at all. Anytime you are aware that the pump may have to be run dry to empty the tank, the operator must take care to ensure the pump is run dry for the absolute minimum amount of time. Be careful not to run the pump dry or it will burn up, that's why you should run it during the day when it can be monitored. Pumps should not be operated running dry. ps: the average run life of the multi-stage electrical submersible pumps I run is a minimum of 4 years, which is 35,064 hours (including the extra day for a leap year). When I … That said, there are a few factors that affect how long a pump lasts. If the impeller seizes, it will stop and not rotate. If you want to activate the pump once a day, start with six hours, but never go lower than five hours, especially in the summer. Re: Duration of Hours a Submercible Pump Can Run Without Stop. Anytime you are aware that the pump may have to be run dry to empty the tank, the operator must take care to ensure the pump is run dry for the absolute minimum amount of time. don't let it run dry for too long as it will be damaged. Priming a pump means filling the intake with water. Pumps are cooled and lubricated by the water flowing through them. This can be very helpful if the spa and or the equipment is elevated above the pool water level.) If I run out of water, can it damage my pump? However, common causes of damage to the pump can be prevented. To read the first entry, click here. Is that accurate or can I run it for 6 hours for the remaining 4 days instead? Problem: Pumps that ‘run dry’ (without incoming water) for long periods of time can blow out the shaft seal and begin leaking. 5 Biggest Pool Pump Mistakes. Is the plumbing going into or out of the pump loose? Any pump that suffers from running dry is not covered by warranty. A pump can loose it’s prime when you empty the basket located inside of the pool pump, a skimmer door is stuck shut therefore allowing air to be sucked in, a check valve that has gone bad or worse of all a pool leak. The point made earlier that a dry pump will over-run and cause damage to the rotating elements (bearings, etc) is also valid. Re: Duration of hours a submercible pump can run without stop 08/14/2013 8:01 AM It will work just long enough to lull you into a sense of complacency, then fail … Most in-ground pool pumps are self-priming but do not mistakenly think this means your pump can initially prime itself. This turnover rate varies based on pool size and the pump. December 14, 2015. Asked in Pool Building and Repair, Pool Care and Cleaning, Math and Arithmetic, Democracy ... Tor a bit of water in them to help prime them and start her up. Common Causes of Damage to Swimming Pool Pumps. If the pump is still not priming see if you can see any leaks around the pump and plumbing. Did it run dry causing a bunch of melted components, or is it just a simple motor replacement issue? How long do you run the pool pump after adding 5 gallons of muriatic acid for a no drain acid wash?