When should the filter of an above ground pool be in operation?

Question

I have a small 12 ft by 48 inch pool with a small filter.

Answer 1

Two four hour periods a day minimum, depending on how much dirt you accumulate. Personally, I tend to run mine 24/7 and my water is crystal, always, year in and year out.

Answer 2

Min of 6 hours per day, preferably during the hottest hours of the day.

Your chemicals need to be in check too.

Backwash your filter also at least once a week.

Just because it is a small pool, doesn't mean that you have to run it less.