Question 1

What should you not do when building a pool?

Accepted Answer

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Most importantly, you should never cut corners when building a pool. Whether it’s an in-ground or aboveground, poorly constructed pools are dangerous to both the swimmers and your property. Leaks can even lead to home foundation damage. While you can DIY smaller elements of pool installation, always hire a contractor to oversee the process.

Question 2

How quickly will a solar cover heat a pool?

Accepted Answer

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A solar cover can heat your pool anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of 6 to 12 hours, depending on how much full sun your pool gets and how big it is. When used in conjunction with a solar pool heater, your pool will heat up even faster, all while using less energy than a traditional pool heater.

Question 3

Does a pool pump use a lot of electricity?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, pool pumps use a significant amount of electricity, making them one of the biggest energy consumers in a home. A pool pump can use up to three times as much electricity as a refrigerator. Typically, a residential pool pump consumes about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) for every hour it runs. Because pumps often need to run for about eight hours a day to properly filter the water, this can add up to an annual consumption of 3,000 to 5,000 kWh, which can cost between $480 and $800 per year based on average electricity rates.

The amount of electricity your pump uses depends on its size, energy efficiency, and daily run time. To lower your energy consumption, you can choose an energy-efficient or variable-speed pump, ensure it is correctly sized for your pool, and run it only for the minimum time required to keep the water clean.

Question 4

What is the minimum size of an endless pool?

Accepted Answer

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You can purchase preassembled or customized endless pools as small as 6-by-6 feet, though larger options are more common. For safety purposes, you will also need to set aside space surrounding the pool to support the pool and pool deck. A pool size chart can help you visualize the best shape for your needs.

Question 5

Who do you hire to build a pool?

Accepted Answer

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Hire a licensed pool contractor in your area with ample experience in your particular pool design. Pool contractors will walk you through both the design and installation process. They will also recommend or hire a team of subcontractors to manage clearing the land, excavating for the pool, and adding all the design and electrical touches that make your pool run smoothly.