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Yes, it's possible to make an aboveground zero-edge pool. Note that it's most common to build an inground one, but, if you raise the deck and surrounding poolscape, you can install an aboveground version. Keep in mind, if you need to haul in dirt, it can significantly raise your land prep costs.

Calcium lumps in a pool are calcium deposits that form when a pool's water parameters are not in the normal range. They can float around on the surface of the pool water, making it look and feel dirty. The most common causes of calcium lumps in pools are calcium hardness above 1,000 ppm, alkalinity over 120, and a pH over 7.8. Keeping your pool’s calcium levels, alkalinity, and pH levels within the normal, safe ranges is the best way to prevent calcium lumps and other problems, including damage to the pool surface.

Yes, swimming in a pool with high calcium hardness is considered safe as long as you have sufficient chlorine and pH levels to keep bacteria growth under control. The main issue with high calcium hardness is that it damages your pool through rust and corrosion. However, if your water is hard enough to corrode your pool, you might want to consider finding methods to make it safe for drinking at home.

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.