Yes, pool pumps use a significant amount of electricity, making them one of the biggest energy consumers in a home. A pool pump can use up to three times as much electricity as a refrigerator. Typically, a residential pool pump consumes about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) for every hour it runs. Because pumps often need to run for about eight hours a day to properly filter the water, this can add up to an annual consumption of 3,000 to 5,000 kWh, which can cost between $480 and $800 per year based on average electricity rates.

The amount of electricity your pump uses depends on its size, energy efficiency, and daily run time. To lower your energy consumption, you can choose an energy-efficient or variable-speed pump, ensure it is correctly sized for your pool, and run it only for the minimum time required to keep the water clean.

When looking into fiberglass vs. concrete pools, you will notice a big price difference. A fiberglass pool costs $15,000 to $75,000, whereas a concrete pool costs $35,000 to $100,000. While concrete pools are customizable, fiberglass is faster to install and requires less maintenance. Additionally, you can expect to pay $25,000 to maintain a concrete pool over a ten-year span. On the other hand, a fiberglass pool only requires basic maintenance like testing water levels and cleaning.

The best way to find a reliable pool service company is to look for one that is properly licensed and insured, has positive customer reviews, maintains good ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and provides pricing that fits into your budget. You can also ask the following questions to see if a pool service company is right for you:

• Do you provide discounts if I sign up for multiple services or a contract?

• What services can you provide?

• How many years of experience do you have?

• Do you have any customer references I can call?

Setting up a pool on unlevel ground is not recommended as it can damage the pool or yard and put the safety of those using it at risk. If a pool isn't level, the water's weight won't distribute evenly, putting excessive pressure on certain parts. This can cause the pool liner to tear or the walls to collapse, leading to water damage, expensive repairs, or potential injury to swimmers. It is more cost-effective to level the ground correctly before installation rather than waiting to address serious structural issues later.