new pool owner, to close or not to close ?

[kennyb30]

hey guys, bought a house with a pool about 2 months ago, switched over to the BBB method and pool has looked great. now that the swimming season is over, im debating on whether to cover the pool or not. im located in south arkansas, so the winters are not that bad. if i do decide to leave the pool open, how many hours a day will i have to run the pump to keep the water looking ok? i know i will have to run the pump when the temp below freezing. right now im running my pump 8 hrs a day. thanks guys..( inground gunite pool, 20,000 gal )
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[JasonLion]

When the water is below 50 degrees, running the pump 1 hour a day is often enough.

 

[kennyb30]

ok, thanks jason, does the ph tend to go up or down during the winter ?

 

[chem geek]

All else equal, as the temperature drops, the pH rises. However, the pH will tend to rise for other reasons as well especially if the TA is too high or if the plaster is relatively new.