Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Dodge City, KS

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.

If you frequently use your swimming pool, an annual inspection is ideal. For pools over 20 years old, get an inspection twice a year. If you have a new pool, are selling your house, or your property went through a severe weather event, schedule a pool inspection as soon as possible.

Most importantly, you should never cut corners when building a pool. Whether it’s an in-ground or aboveground, poorly constructed pools are dangerous to both the swimmers and your property. Leaks can even lead to home foundation damage. While you can DIY smaller elements of pool installation, always hire a contractor to oversee the process.

Gunite pools are not exactly easy to maintain—but we wouldn't call them "high maintenance." It's one of the longest-lasting pool options, but its porous surface does require a lot of care. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the pool often to prevent stubborn algae growth, and the pool will require higher chemical levels to keep it clean.