You can place many materials under a pool to level it, including sand, concrete, solid foam, pavers, or finely crushed gravel. You can also use a tamper or roller to level ground without using a shovel to dig. No matter the material, make sure to level the ground with sand first for a smooth, even surface for the pool to sit on.

With a regular pool, the water is contained by visible walls that are higher than the water level. An infinity pool has one or more walls that are right at the waterline so they're not truly visible. For an invisible look, the lower wall is often made of glass or clear acrylic. The water laps over the lower edge and into a catch basin below where it gets pumped back into the pool.

You'll feel the most comfortable in pool water between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures are a bit brisk, while higher temperatures can lead to algae and cloudy pool water. Choose a pool heater that either runs automatically when your water dips below 78 or switch it on several hours before using the pool for the day.

An in-ground concrete pool will carry the highest price tag of all available types of pools, with architectural or freeform concrete pools found at the top end of the price range. Although the upfront costs for a concrete pool are high, these pools tend to be more durable than pools made from other materials and will last the longest.