It is generally not recommended to place a pool directly on grass. Doing so will kill the grass underneath, and the surrounding lawn may also be damaged by heavy foot traffic and splashes of chemically-treated water. For best results, create a clean, level surface by removing the grass and debris. You can then install a sturdier base using materials like sand, a concrete pad, or solid foam.

Unless you have an alternative to chlorine in your pool to prevent bacteria and viruses from taking up residence in your water, it’s not safe to swim in a pool without enough chlorine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimming in a pool with insufficient chlorine could lead to skin and eye irritation, ear issues, respiratory distress, such as coughing and congestion, and various other health issues. Always make sure your chlorine levels are healthy and stable before swimming for proper pool safety.

Pool maintenance costs an average of $230 per service, with prices ranging from $50 to $750 per service, depending on several factors. The type of service will usually be the most significant cost factor, as opening and closing a pool takes a few hours and can total $400 or more, while regular cleanings could cost under $100. The size of your pool and the type of pool—above-ground, in-ground, saltwater—can also affect the price of maintenance.

If you put too much baking soda in your pool, your alkalinity will rise. That means you’ll need to take steps to lower your alkalinity. You can either add more water (which will require more chemicals because they’ll be diluted), wait for the alkalinity to lower naturally, or use a chemical like muriatic acid to lower it.