The life expectancy of a stock tank pool depends on the level of maintenance that you put into it, but it typically lasts for 10 years or more with regular maintenance and repairs. Regularly testing the water and adjusting the chemical levels, using a chlorine float instead of tablets that can end up on the floor of the pool, lining the pool, cleaning the stock tank, and managing any rust immediately will help extend the life of the pool.

A good rule of thumb is to add one or two 40-pound bags of salt for every inch of rain, but you’ll want to test your salt levels first to ensure you’re adding the right amount. Rainwater can dilute the salt levels in your pool, so after significant rainfall, test the levels and add the appropriate amount of salt to bring it back to the ideal level.

It’s not ideal to swim in a cloud pool, as it can be a sign of algae, bacteria, or calcium buildup as well as chlorine, pH, or alkalinity imbalances. It is best to avoid cloudy water in pools until you determine the cause of the color change.

There are pros and cons of in-ground vs. above-ground pools, which you should consider when choosing the pool of your summertime dreams. Some factors to think about include: 

• Above-ground pools are semi-permanent and movable, whereas in-ground pools are permanent structures.

• In-ground pools are more expensive to install than above-ground pools. 

• It takes one to three days to install above-ground pools and several weeks for an in-ground pool install.

• You can install an above-ground pool in smaller yards, but you need plenty of space for an in-ground pool.