Filter balls don’t work as well as sand filters because they’re unable to handle large debris, are prone to clogging, and require frequent cleaning. While they can seem more convenient and less expensive than sand filters, most need to be removed and washed regularly, or they won’t filter well and struggle with algae and dirt. Speak with your pool maintenance pro about the best filtration option for your pool.

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.

Finding a reputable inground pool installation company starts with an online search and assessing a company’s positive and negative reviews. You can also check the Better Business Bureau’s reports for companies you’re considering to see if they have numerous customer complaints for poor service. One of the best things you can do to find a good company is ask for references and then call those past customers to see how they felt during the installation process and how their pool has held up. Finally, you can get estimates from the remaining companies to compare.

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.