This is my first summer owning an inground pool and I got my first electric bill which was about $100 higher than this time last year. My electric company tells me it's because of the swimming pool. Is this normal? Should I expect my electric bill to be this much higher just by running the pool filter? We have been running it 24 hours and now we seet the timer to shut off for 8 hours at night. I'm afraid the pool might turn green if it's not running 24 hours a day.

You shouldn't need to run the pool 24 hours. 12 hours/day is adequate - the water won't turn green unless you have a problem with the water chemistry. Set the timer to run during the day, as this is when the pool is most likely to be used.

Good advice ebaines,

12 hours per day should be enough to keep your pool clear, but this is relative to the efficiency of your filter, the flow rate of your water, your ability to balance water chemistry and the amount of plant material your pool is exposed to such as pine trees over the pool.

Having an inground pool is certainly an expense - $100 per month to circulate the water in not unacceptable. If you think this is bad, wait until you get your heating bill if you are using a gas fired heater.

Posting the make, model, year and horsepower of your pump may provide additional information to assist you with finding the lowest cost option for circulating your swimming pool.

I hope this information helps.

Steve Goodale
Serendipity Pools