Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Heron Lake, MN

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.

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.

A stock tank pool is far cheaper than an in-ground pool. Installing an inground pool costs $55,000 on average, while a stock tank pool costs around $945 to install.

Sometimes, homeowners choose to install their pool on concrete, foam tiles, or patio pavers. Leveled dirt is also fine, as long as it’s not sod or grass. Regardless, you’ll need to install sand as a buffer to prevent your liner from tearing. Some pool installers also use a protective foam pool pad.