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.

The life expectancy of a gunite pool is about 100 years or more with proper care. Clean your pool at least once a week and plan to resurface it every five to seven years. For winter, close down the gunite pool but don’t drain it. And you can increase your gunite pool’s longevity by repairing any damage and addressing any issues as soon as you notice them.

You can make your pool accessible to people with disabilities or mobility issues by adding a sloped entrance to the pool and including handrails at all entry and exit points. A pool lift, though expensive, makes it especially easy for people with all levels of mobility to enter and exit a pool safely. Upgrading your whole home to be more accommodating? Here are several tips to make your home more accessible for those with disabilities or those aging in place.

Calcium hypochlorite, or cal-hypo, tends to be the best shock for an above ground pool. It is widely available, affordable, and powerful. Cal-hypo shock is typically 65% to 75% chlorine and is very effective at ridding a pool of bacteria or other contaminants.