You should wait at least six hours after adding baking soda before swimming in your pool. Even better, wait at least 24 hours to ensure it’s fully mixed in and dissolved. While it’s likely not harmful, if you get in the pool too early, the baking soda may irritate your skin or eyes if you’re sensitive to it.

If you have a smooth, already bonded concrete surface, painting a concrete pool deck can be a great way to brighten up the area and add longevity. If the surface has another covering or a different type of paint has been used previously, you won’t be able to paint it without removing the existing coating. Wooden decks benefit from painting as it helps to keep them watertight. Quality pool deck paints also help make the surface less slippery and less likely to gather mold and mildew or prematurely crack.

In combination with adequate filtering and water chemical balance, vacuuming will keep your pool from being overrun with algae. If your pool is experiencing algae growth, the same combination will get rid of it with a bit of patience. Heavy algae growth may require the use of an algaecide, and in some cases, you’ll want to vacuum the pool 24 to 48 hours after using algaecide to remove dead algae debris.

Pools and pool equipment tend to go on sale in the fall to make room for the next year’s inventory. That means if you’re looking for the lowest cost to install a pool in your outdoor space, you should start looking in the fall rather than the summer. You’ll save money and be ready to dive in during the warm months next year.