You shouldn’t swim in a pool with algae. When there’s algae, there’s also bacteria that’s feeding on the algae. Also, algae-infested pool water is often chemically imbalanced, which means germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E.coli could be present. These germs can cause a range of illnesses from gastrointestinal issues, to rashes, and respiratory problems.

The best thing to do is to get rid of the algae first, test and balance the water, and then you can enjoy swimming without any worries.

A pool builder can advise you on the best design for your property and vision, and can walk you through the process from design to a swim-ready pool. Knowing which questions to ask a pool builder can help ensure you choose the right person for the job.

Pool water—or rather, the chlorine in pool water—generally doesn’t damage artificial grass. This type of grass is made from plastic fibers that are incredibly resilient. That said, you can damage artificial grass around a pool in other ways. For example, the sun’s reflection off a window or fence can melt polyethylene fibers. A temporary pool can flatten and cause an indent in turf.

Yes, you can absolutely use a sand filter with a saltwater pool, but you’ll have to make sure you have the right grade of sand to catch smaller particles, just like in a standard pool. To choose the right pool filter, consider the degree of filtration you’ll need. Cartridge or diatomaceous earth filters can remove smaller particles, so they’re better suited for a less chlorinated saltwater pool.