Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Clearbrook, MN

Generally, you do not need to drain your pool to convert it to a saltwater system. The main exception is if you have used an antibacterial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide to sanitize your pool, as these sanitation products do not mix well with saltwater systems. If this is the case, you will need to start fresh. You can either drain the pool or treat the existing water with a high dose of chlorine to remove the antibacterial agent. If you choose the chlorine treatment, wait several days to allow the chlorine to work before proceeding with the conversion. If you are unsure whether this applies to your pool, consult a pool technician.

It's not a good idea to drain an aboveground pool into your yard since the pool water's chemicals can harm your plants and the surrounding ecosystem. Instead, it's best to drain the pool into an appropriate sewer so it can be processed at a water treatment plant. You might also be able to drain it into your storm drain, depending on your region. Check with your city to learn about any relevant regulations.

In most states, it is a legal requirement to have a fence around your pool to protect both swimmers and pool owners. These laws can vary by state, city, and county, so you must research the specific regulations in your area before installation. The rules may also differ for inground versus above-ground pools, with inground pools typically requiring a full fence. Additionally, most homeowners' insurance providers will require a fence around a residential pool before providing coverage. As a general rule, it's always best to have a fence for everyone's safety.

A pool heater is worth the expense, given that it can extend your swimming season by several months, depending on where you live. For many, adding a pool heater allows the pool to remain in service from May through mid-October. Even temperatures in the 40s and 50s are tolerable when the water in the pool is heated.