The only pools that don’t need grounding are those without electrical components, such as small inflatable pools. Any outlet around a pool should be a GFCI to cut the current if the outlet gets too wet. At the very least, the pool’s electrical should be plugged into a GFCI outlet, if not a dedicated GFCI breaker. Check local guidelines and requirements to ensure you’re following all safety regulations. 

You should add chlorine within 48 hours of filling your pool with water. In just 24 hours, bacteria and algae will begin to grow and contaminate your water. After that point, you’ll need to shock the water with high levels of chlorine, and you’ll likely need to do additional vacuuming to get the pool clean. It’s important to check your chlorine levels two to three times a week and add more chlorine as needed to maintain a healthy level.

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.

Yes, adding a pool to your property will almost always increase your homeowners insurance premiums. This is because pools are considered hazardous, which increases your home's liability risk. The replacement cost of the pool itself is also factored into your home's rebuilding cost when determining coverage limits. The amount of the increase can vary from as little as $50 to several hundred dollars more per year, depending on your insurance company, location, current coverage, and installed safety features. It is best to contact your insurance agent before installing a pool to get an estimate, understand their specific guidelines, and factor the ongoing cost into your budget.