A swimming pool pump has to have water in it to run properly. If the pump isn’t primed and tries to run when it’s dry, the components will overheat which can cause the pump to seize up and can even damage the PVC pipes that carry the water into and out of it. Essentially, running a pump that isn’t primed can lead to having to replace the entire pump.

Aboveground pools take between one day to a few days to install, depending on the pool size and type. Your project may take longer if you’re planning to complete other projects simultaneously, like building a deck around the pool. If your land is hilly or rocky, you’ll also need to budget time for the land preparation. Aboveground pools need to be installed on a level surface.

Yes, you will need building permits for an inground pool, and your pool installation company should pull them for you. The permit filing fee will usually sit between $400 and $1,800, and it should appear on your contract or invoice. You may want to confirm with your contractor that they will pull all necessary permits. You might also need a permit for a new fence, as many municipalities have special fencing requirements for properties with pools. A fence permit costs between $50 and $500. This expense may not be included in your pool installation estimate.

Endless pool may refer to one of two things. For some, it’s a term used interchangeably with infinity pool. Because infinity pools don’t have a visible edge, they look endless. For others, it’s a brand of jetted lap pool. Endless pools are engineered to fit in small spaces, but provide the benefits of a full-sized pool (think: aquatic exercise or hydrotherapy). You can even use them indoors, and they’re relatively budget-friendly because of their small size.