Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Rotonda West, FL

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.

If a pool turns green after adding salt, there’s a good chance the salt is the problem. Certain brands of salt have high levels of iron that cause pool water to take on a green hue. Test your pool water to determine if this is the issue. The green color will usually filter out. Brush the sides of the pool to knock the iron off.

This is just one reason a pool can turn green that is specific to adding salt. Many other reasons a pool can turn green include algae growth, low chlorine levels, a faulty filter, etc.

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.

Before deciding to install a swimming pool in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Even if you still need to figure out the specifics with your pool installer, having an idea of what you'd like will help the initial consultation. Some topics to consider include:

• Will you use salt water for your pool or traditional hose water?

• How big of a pool do you want to install? How deep?

• What special zoning laws do you need to follow for your area?

• Do you want to keep it simple or add special features like underwater lighting and waterfalls?