Your indoor pool can be heated or unheated, but the decision depends on your local climate. In regions with freezing temperatures, heating your pool will keep it warm during the winter, especially if it’s only covered with a greenhouse enclosure. 

If you keep your swimming water warm and toasty, budget between $300 and $5,700 for the cost of installing a pool heater.

If your pool’s pH level is too high, chlorine won’t be as effective. Since chlorine is responsible for sanitation and keeping bacteria out of your pool, a high pH level could create a higher risk for bacterial diseases. It can also make you more susceptible to rashes and infections (like swimmer’s ear). Need to lower your pool’s pH? You can do it yourself for between $5 and $40.

When you’re winterizing your pool, you need to drain some of the water to prevent cracking and warping from ice. Nonetheless, you should never drain all of the water. Ideally, you’ll lower the water level to anywhere from four to six inches below the skimmer. This will protect the structural integrity of the walls, help prevent your pool liner from warping, and reduce damage from debris.

Any number between 7.2 and 7.8 is an ideal pH for swimming pools or 80 to 120 ppm. Your pool testing kit should be able to measure both of these numbers. If your pool’s pH is below this range, the water is too acidic and can cause scaling and damage to pool equipment. If the water’s pH is above this range, it can decrease the effectiveness of necessary chemicals, like chlorine.