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

Certain pools serve as a middle ground between traditional swimming pools and hot tubs. The two main options are plunge pools and swim spas. A plunge pool (or cocktail pool) is smaller, but you can add spa-like elements such as heating and jets. A swim spa is more similar to a hot tub, but it produces a current that allows you to swim in place (similar to how a treadmill lets you run in place). 

Because they are smaller than an average-sized swimming pool, building a plunge pool is less costly than a traditional pool. In-ground swimming pools cost about $67,000, while plunge pools cost around $20,000. You won’t have as much room to swim in, but the smaller size means you spend less on land excavation, materials, and hourly labor rates.

An easy way to know whether your sand filter has enough sand is to check how full the filter is and what the sand looks and feels like. The filter container should be two-thirds to three-quarters full of sand. Look for interior marks indicating the ideal sand level. If you put your hand into the sand, it should flow through your fingers without clumping. The filter pressure gauge is also an easy indicator—the right amount of sand leads to normal pressure, while too much or too little sand can cause high or low pressure.

Pool leaks most commonly occur at joints or where different materials meet. The most frequent leak spots include:

• The Pool Skimmer: Where the plastic skimmer meets the pool's liner or shell.

• The Pool Liner: Tears can develop in vinyl liners, especially those between 5 and 20 years old. Leaks also occur around the liner's edge.

• Fittings and Accessories: Areas around return lines, the main drain, and pool lights are common culprits.

• Pool Equipment: The pump, filter, and filter housing can also leak.

While leaks in underground pipes are less common, they can be costly to fix. It's usually best to check the more common spots before investigating the plumbing system.