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Any number between 7.2 and 7.8 is an ideal pH for swimming pools or 80 to 120 ppm. Your pool testing kit should be able to measure both of these numbers. If your pool’s pH is below this range, the water is too acidic and can cause scaling and damage to pool equipment. If the water’s pH is above this range, it can decrease the effectiveness of necessary chemicals, like chlorine.

Chlorine performs several functions, depending on where and how you use it. In drinking water, chlorine in small amounts kills potentially harmful bacteria. It's also a common ingredient in detergents for its whitening properties. Most people associate the chemical with pool use, where it works to kill and control bacteria, germs, and viruses in the water. 

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.

The time it takes for a pool heater to heat a pool can range from eight to 48 hours, with an average of about 12 hours for the initial heating. For a more specific example, an average-sized 15,000-gallon pool may take six to 10 hours to heat up by 10 degrees. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the pool's size, the type and size of the heater, the starting water temperature, and the outside air temperature. It may take some trial and error to determine the precise time your specific pool takes to reach a desired temperature.