What is the typical turnover time for a swimming pool?

The typical turnover time for a swimming pool refers to the time required to circulate and filter the entire volume of water in the pool at least once. This process is essential for maintaining water quality, ensuring proper filtration, and distributing sanitizing chemicals evenly throughout the pool.

A turnover time of every 6 hours is widely considered best practice for most commercial pools as it helps to maintain optimal water clarity and safety for swimmers. This time frame allows the filtration system enough time to effectively remove debris, contaminants, and microorganisms that can accumulate in the pool water.

In comparison, shorter turnover times (like every 3 hours) might be appropriate for smaller or less heavily used pools, but they could also indicate an excessive demand on the filtration system, which could lead to wear and a higher energy cost. Longer turnover times (like every 12 or 24 hours) are not adequate for busy public pools, which can lead to deterioration of water quality, increasing health risks, and greater difficulty in maintaining a clean environment for swimmers. Thus, a 6-hour turnover period strikes a balance between efficiency and maintaining a safe swimming environment.