Q: Do natural pools attract snakes?

• <div><p>Natural pools don&rsquo;t necessarily attract snakes, although there is a chance they could stop by for a quick visit. They&rsquo;re not likely to stay, however, because there&rsquo;s nothing for snakes to eat in a natural pool environment. A well-maintained natural pool has clear water, so you should be able to easily spot a snake before diving in.</p></div>

Question 1

Can I turn my aboveground pool into a saltwater pool?

Accepted Answer

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You can turn your aboveground chlorinated pool into a saltwater pool. The cost of a saltwater pool conversion is between $750 and $2,000, depending on your pool’s size. A saltwater pool offers benefits like less maintenance and water that is gentler on your skin. You’ll need to replace the salt every five years, but you won’t need to clean your pool as frequently.

Question 2

Do natural pools attract snakes?

Accepted Answer

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Natural pools don’t necessarily attract snakes, although there is a chance they could stop by for a quick visit. They’re not likely to stay, however, because there’s nothing for snakes to eat in a natural pool environment. A well-maintained natural pool has clear water, so you should be able to easily spot a snake before diving in.

Question 3

What type of water can I use to refill my pool?

Accepted Answer

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You can usually use the water from your tap to refill your pool, whether it's city water or well water. If you're going to use well water to fill your pool, make sure you have an adequate amount of water available and that the water is free of contaminants. A water delivery service may also be able to bring water to refill your pool.

Question 4

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 5

What is the most popular size of an above ground pool?

Accepted Answer

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A 24-foot diameter pool is the most popular size for a round above ground model, while 15 by 30 feet is a common choice for oval-shaped pools. However, you'll find round sizes everywhere between 8 and 33 feet. Oval pools range up to 21 by 41 feet but can be customized to stretch much longer. Choosing the right size will come down to where you can level your yard and how many swimmers plan to use the pool at a given time.