Generally, you should run your pool pump for eight to 12 hours a day to keep your water clean and chemical levels balanced. The ideal runtime can vary depending on your specific pump type. While running the pump as much as possible is ideal for cleanliness, it can increase electricity costs. To save money, you can run the pump strategically during non-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, which is often in the evenings or at night. The hours do not need to be consecutive.

Just like a traditional in-ground pool, semi-inground pools can be between three and eight feet deep. Lap pools, for example, are often an average of 4 feet deep, while a traditional pool may have both a shallow and deep end. The depth of your semi-inground pool depends on the liner you purchase, as well as how much excavation you plan to do before the installation.

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.

Yes, too much chlorine can make your pool cloudy, especially after you have recently shocked it. However, low chlorine levels are a more common cause of cloudy water. An imbalance in pH or an excess of any chemical can also lead to cloudiness. To determine the specific cause, you should test your pool water to check the levels of chlorine, pH, and other chemicals. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear.