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Water only runs through a pool heater when not in use if the heater doesn’t have a bypass system. A bypass system stops the flow of water through the heater when not in use. If you don’t have one, then yes, water will still run through the pool heater even when not in use. Not having a bypass system may increase the effects of wear and tear on your pool heater or disrupt the water’s chemical balance.

Generally, you should run your pool pump for eight to 12 hours a day to keep your water clean and chemical levels balanced. The ideal runtime can vary depending on your specific pump type. While running the pump as much as possible is ideal for cleanliness, it can increase electricity costs. To save money, you can run the pump strategically during non-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, which is often in the evenings or at night. The hours do not need to be consecutive.

Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our pool maintenance 101 guide.

You can usually use the water from your tap to refill your pool, whether it's city water or well water. If you're going to use well water to fill your pool, make sure you have an adequate amount of water available and that the water is free of contaminants. A water delivery service may also be able to bring water to refill your pool.