The rate of each pipe to fill the pool alone is the reciprocal of the time.
Rates:
1st pipe - 1/8 per hour
2nd pipe - 1/12 per hour
3rd pipe - 1/24 per hour
Total rate:
1/8 + 1/12 + 1/24
= 3/24 + 2/24 + 1/24
= 6/24
= 1/4 per hour
Distance (the water in the pool) = 1
Rate = 1/4 per hour
Time = Distance/Rate
= 1/(1/4)
= 4 hours
It would take 4 hours if all the pipes were opened at the same time to fill the pool.