Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Plains, MT

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.

In most states, it is a legal requirement to have a fence around your pool to protect both swimmers and pool owners. These laws can vary by state, city, and county, so you must research the specific regulations in your area before installation. The rules may also differ for inground versus above-ground pools, with inground pools typically requiring a full fence. Additionally, most homeowners' insurance providers will require a fence around a residential pool before providing coverage. As a general rule, it's always best to have a fence for everyone's safety.

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.

Technically, you can fill in a pool yourself—with the caveat that filling in a pool requires the ability to drain the pool properly and move a substantial amount of dirt, which aren’t beginner DIY skills. If you want to fill in a pool, you’re better off hiring a local pool removal professional.