Pool Companies will give a general rule of thumb at best. As stated above, how long to run the pump is dependent on your pool. Surface debris cleaning, SWG operation, and pool cleaning are the items for you to learn for your pool. IMHO less run time is better for electric bill and environment. As for checking chemicals, again it is up to you to learn how often your pool needs them checked and adjusted. The TFP community strongly suggests not using pool companies but instead managing your own pool with an approved TFP test kit and ordinary chemicals found at grocery store, home building stores, etc.
My major point is you need to learn your pool needs. There is no single answer.