You should add chlorine within 48 hours of filling your pool with water. In just 24 hours, bacteria and algae will begin to grow and contaminate your water. After that point, you’ll need to shock the water with high levels of chlorine, and you’ll likely need to do additional vacuuming to get the pool clean. It’s important to check your chlorine levels two to three times a week and add more chlorine as needed to maintain a healthy level.

Yes, too much chlorine can make your pool cloudy, especially after you have recently shocked it. However, low chlorine levels are a more common cause of cloudy water. An imbalance in pH or an excess of any chemical can also lead to cloudiness. To determine the specific cause, you should test your pool water to check the levels of chlorine, pH, and other chemicals. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear.

Pool remodel costs average over $9,000, so what about converting your pool to salt water instead? It is certainly an investment on the front end, but homeowners stand to save money on maintenance by switching to a saltwater pool. You will need to replace the salt cell every five years or so, but you will not have to clean your pool as frequently, either. The smell of chlorine also will not be on your swimsuits or skin, which is a benefit many appreciate.

The cost to maintain a pool depends on its size and condition. A one-time pool cleaning session costs around $250, and regular weekly maintenance costs $25 to $40 per week. You can get a discount if you buy services in bulk. Regular pool maintenance helps limit the number of repairs and identify signs of trouble.