Should you run your pool pump 24 hrs a day?

Yes it is safe, in fact I would recommend it; I manage a pool and spa store in Richmond, Va and own a pool myself. We never turn the pump off in season except for routine maintenance.

Keeping the pump on helps keep the pool properly sanitized, and prevents the growth of algae and water molds. It is to my knowledge, not harmful to the pump, as most of our customers do the same, and we don't have many failures. Manufacturers build the pumps for this kind of use, they are warn out faster by starting and stopping than by continuous operation.