At noon, when the sun is at its highest point, sunlight can naturally increase the temperature of a pool by 0.7 degrees each hour, but this can depend on other external factors. For example, evaporation caused by the sun will cause a pool to lose up to 5 degrees for every 1/2 inch of water evaporated. Using a water heater will produce more reliable results.

The total time to install an inground pool typically ranges from 8 weeks to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by several factors, including permitting, site preparation, and the construction process itself.

Key phases and their typical durations include:

• Permits: Obtaining necessary permits can take anywhere from two to six weeks.

• Excavation and Site Preparation: This phase takes about a week but can be extended by problematic soil, unexpected ground conditions, or the need to move underground utility lines.

• Construction: The actual build, including plumbing and electrical work, often takes one to two months. The pool material is a major factor here; a concrete pool needs about 30 days to cure, while installing a fiberglass or vinyl liner is much faster.

External factors can also cause significant delays:

• Contractor Availability: Spring and summer are busy seasons, and high demand can lead to long waitlists, potentially adding months to your start date. It is often recommended to start planning and getting estimates up to a year in advance.

• Other Delays: Weather, material shortages, complex designs, and other unforeseen challenges can extend the project timeline.

While you should avoid draining an above ground pool on a regular basis, it may be necessary if you are experiencing common signs of major pool problems. When you fully drain your pool, do so slowly with the proper equipment and always avoid draining on a very hot day. In many cases, the pool liner and equipment depend on the cooling effect of the water.

Yes, it’s possible to put too much salt in your saltwater pool, and doing so can cause a number of problems, including corroding metal parts and causing the chlorinator to stop working correctly. In general, slightly elevated salt levels won’t cause serious problems beyond salty-tasting water, but you should dilute the water in a pool with extremely high salt levels to prevent damage to its components.