Generally, you do not need to drain your pool to convert it to a saltwater system. The main exception is if you have used an antibacterial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide to sanitize your pool, as these sanitation products do not mix well with saltwater systems. If this is the case, you will need to start fresh. You can either drain the pool or treat the existing water with a high dose of chlorine to remove the antibacterial agent. If you choose the chlorine treatment, wait several days to allow the chlorine to work before proceeding with the conversion. If you are unsure whether this applies to your pool, consult a pool technician.

The type of sand you need for your sand filter depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, but you’ll need to use sand specifically for pool filters. Silica sand is a wallet-friendly, common choice that’s relatively easy to replace. You’ll choose between various grades of sand and different-sized sand grains.

The popular 12-by-24-foot oval above ground pool is ideal for a family of four or a group of four to five people at most. This above ground pool size is popular for balancing space in a backyard and easy use and leaves room for designing a pool deck or patio.

It is possible to restore a filled-in pool. If you want to dig up and repair a filled-in pool in your backyard, the process will cost about the same as the cost of installing a new in-ground pool. You might do this if the filled-in pool is causing sinking, swelling, or drainage issues in your yard. A new pool may resolve these problems and increase your property value.