A few factors influence the time it takes for a pool to heat up, including the size of your pool, the temperature outside, and how much direct sunlight is hitting the water in the pool. With these factors in mind, it takes 12 to 72 hours to raise the temperature in a pool by 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

While you can run a pool heater all day, it is advised only to run it during the day, as it is more energy efficient. At night, it is better to purchase a solar pool cover to retain the heat within the pool.

You should add one 3-inch chlorine tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water in your pool. If you have a smaller pool, it’s better to use 1-inch chlorine tablets so you don’t accidentally add too much chlorine. Alternatively, you can add two to three ounces of powdered chlorine or half a gallon of liquid chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water.

A 24-foot diameter pool is the most popular size for a round above ground model, while 15 by 30 feet is a common choice for oval-shaped pools. However, you'll find round sizes everywhere between 8 and 33 feet. Oval pools range up to 21 by 41 feet but can be customized to stretch much longer. Choosing the right size will come down to where you can level your yard and how many swimmers plan to use the pool at a given time.

Pool light replacements are often more expensive compared to other pool parts, like pump motors, or standard light bulbs for indoor use. The reason for the higher cost is that pool lights are specially designed and made with parts meant to keep swimmers safe. The light fixture and surrounding parts protecting the bulb must be waterproof, tightly sealed, and resistant to extreme temperatures.