Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Walnut Grove, MN

Rectangular pools, particularly those made of vinyl or fiberglass, are the easiest to maintain. The long, straight sides, right angles, and smoother surface make regular cleaning a breeze without having to maneuver into curves and nooks. Rectangular pools also tend to be standard sizes, so you may have an easier time when it comes time to replace liners, covers, and other parts.

The depth of your pool depends on its intended use, the size of your lawn, and whether you opt for an in-ground or aboveground pool. Aboveground pools tend to be between four and six feet deep while in-ground pools range anywhere from three to eight feet. Permanent installations also have the option of shallow and deep ends.

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.

You can avoid pool collapse—known as pool pop in an inground pool—if you follow the instructions on how to drain your pool safely. Wait for a temperate, dry day and slowly remove the water with a sump pump, hose, or the attached drains and hydrostatic plugs.