Unless you have an alternative to chlorine in your pool to prevent bacteria and viruses from taking up residence in your water, it’s not safe to swim in a pool without enough chlorine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimming in a pool with insufficient chlorine could lead to skin and eye irritation, ear issues, respiratory distress, such as coughing and congestion, and various other health issues. Always make sure your chlorine levels are healthy and stable before swimming for proper pool safety.

Your pool should only lose around 1/4 of an inch of water per day, give or take. More wind, sunlight, and heat will cause this number to increase, while rainy or cloudy days will decrease the amount of water that evaporates.

Off-season pool-building prices often align with the time of year you're least likely to use a pool. Many contractors offer deals in the late fall and winter to bolster the slow time of year. However, if you live in an area with freezing winters, you'll need to wait beyond the final frost and threats of extreme weather.

You’ll need at least 50-by-10 feet for a residential lap pool. Endless pools need as little as 15-by-8 feet. Deciding which type of pool is right for you and your family will depend heavily on the size of your backyard and what can comfortably fit. Don’t forget to leave room for other structures and activities in your yard, such as a swing set, shed, garden, or outdoor grill.