Losing some water from splashing and evaporation is normal. However, if you notice a rapid drop in the water level or are adding water more frequently than usual, you might have a leak. Other common signs of a pool leak include:

• Unexplained soft, mushy, or wet spots in the yard.

• Cracks in the pool's structure or falling tiles.

• Higher-than-normal water bills.

• Persistent algae growth or water discoloration.

• Standing water near the pump, pipes, or other pool equipment.

The average 12-by-24-foot in-ground pool costs $48,500, but depending on the features and materials, prices can trend even higher. You’ll spend less on a rectangular vinyl or fiberglass pool than on a concrete pool in an elevated style (think infinity pool or lagoon pool). Added features like heating, lighting, diving boards, or decking will increase your overall cost.

Yes, you will need to shock your pool with high levels of chlorine or bromine when you first fill it to kill off bacteria and pathogens. You’ll need to wait for the chlorine concentration to come back down to a safe level before swimming. After that, you can test and maintain the chlorine and other levels as normal. The only exception to this is if you get pool water delivered by a professional. In that case, the water might come pretreated, so you might not need to shock it.

Whether a natural pool is worth it depends on several factors because they cost more than traditional pools. Many people opt for natural pools because they enjoy swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes. Also, if you're environmentally conscious, a natural pool is going to be a much more attractive option than a traditional pool.

Moreover, for people with chemical sensitivities, a natural pool is a great solution since the water doesn’t contain chlorine.