Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Doon, IA

No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.

You can use a plunge pool any time of the year, including winter. Be sure to install a pool heater if you plan to take a dip in the plunge pool when temperatures are low to avoid risk of hypothermia. You will also want to add a sturdy pool cover to protect the pool from snow, sleet, and rain during the winter months.

How long a pool liner lasts depends on the type of pool. Most in-ground pool liners last between six and 12 years, while aboveground pool liners last anywhere from six to 10 years. You can extend the life of your pool liner by maintaining proper pool chemistry, adding chemicals individually to avoid staining the liner, using a pool cover to protect it from the sun, and keeping sharp objects away from it.

An in-ground concrete pool will carry the highest price tag of all available types of pools, with architectural or freeform concrete pools found at the top end of the price range. Although the upfront costs for a concrete pool are high, these pools tend to be more durable than pools made from other materials and will last the longest.