Q: Can you swim in a pool with algae?

• <div><p>You shouldn&rsquo;t swim in a pool with algae. When there&rsquo;s algae, there&rsquo;s also bacteria that&rsquo;s feeding on the algae. Also, algae-infested pool water is often chemically imbalanced, which means germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E.coli could be present. These germs can cause a range of illnesses from gastrointestinal issues, to rashes, and respiratory problems.</p><p>The best thing to do is to get rid of the algae first, test and balance the water, and then you can enjoy swimming without any worries.</p></div>

Question 1

Is pool pH important?

Accepted Answer

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Yes. A pool pH too high may result in a rash, red, or stinging eyes for swimmers. It means chlorine isn't as abundant as it needs to be to neutralize germs. A pH that is too low means the water is too acidic, which can cause similar bodily irritation and damage to your pool's lining and the surrounding plaster, stone, or tile.

Question 2

How long does it take to install an inground pool?

Accepted Answer

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The total time to install an inground pool typically ranges from 8 weeks to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by several factors, including permitting, site preparation, and the construction process itself.

Key phases and their typical durations include:

Permits: Obtaining necessary permits can take anywhere from two to six weeks.
Excavation and Site Preparation: This phase takes about a week but can be extended by problematic soil, unexpected ground conditions, or the need to move underground utility lines.
Construction: The actual build, including plumbing and electrical work, often takes one to two months. The pool material is a major factor here; a concrete pool needs about 30 days to cure, while installing a fiberglass or vinyl liner is much faster.

External factors can also cause significant delays:

Contractor Availability: Spring and summer are busy seasons, and high demand can lead to long waitlists, potentially adding months to your start date. It is often recommended to start planning and getting estimates up to a year in advance.
Other Delays: Weather, material shortages, complex designs, and other unforeseen challenges can extend the project timeline.

Question 3

Can you swim in a pool with algae?

Accepted Answer

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You shouldn’t swim in a pool with algae. When there’s algae, there’s also bacteria that’s feeding on the algae. Also, algae-infested pool water is often chemically imbalanced, which means germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E.coli could be present. These germs can cause a range of illnesses from gastrointestinal issues, to rashes, and respiratory problems.

The best thing to do is to get rid of the algae first, test and balance the water, and then you can enjoy swimming without any worries.

Question 4

What is the average gallon pool size?

Accepted Answer

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The average pool size in gallons is 15,360. This number is for a 16’ x 32’ pool with a four-foot depth. However, many pools have different depths at each end or irregular sizes, so you may need to use the formulas above to calculate exactly how many gallons of water you need.

Question 5

Do concrete pools crack?

Accepted Answer

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Concrete pools are very durable but can crack if not properly maintained. The most significant risk is winter weather and low temperatures when water can seep into crevices and freeze. To avoid damage, use the proper winterization chemicals, and don’t completely drain your pool. Concrete pool repairs cost around $75 per linear foot for small cracks.