A few factors influence the time it takes for a pool to heat up, including the size of your pool, the temperature outside, and how much direct sunlight is hitting the water in the pool. With these factors in mind, it takes 12 to 72 hours to raise the temperature in a pool by 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

While you can run a pool heater all day, it is advised only to run it during the day, as it is more energy efficient. At night, it is better to purchase a solar pool cover to retain the heat within the pool.

Rectangular pools are the most popular inground pool shape, due to their adaptability to different uses, from swimming laps to hosting parties. These pools can easily include other sought-after features, such as tanning ledges, waterfalls, sport nets, and more. Rectangular pools are also often easier to install and maintain, and prefabricated rectangular pools generally have a shorter installation time, so you can start enjoying your pool faster.

You can install an aboveground pool on various surfaces, including dirt, sand, concrete, and grass. You can’t install a pool on an uneven surface, though, so be sure to level the ground before building your pool. You also can’t install your pool on top of a rocky surface. Three or 4 inches of smooth sand or soil is the ideal surface to go under an aboveground pool.

Generally, you do not need to drain your pool to convert it to a saltwater system. The main exception is if you have used an antibacterial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide to sanitize your pool, as these sanitation products do not mix well with saltwater systems. If this is the case, you will need to start fresh. You can either drain the pool or treat the existing water with a high dose of chlorine to remove the antibacterial agent. If you choose the chlorine treatment, wait several days to allow the chlorine to work before proceeding with the conversion. If you are unsure whether this applies to your pool, consult a pool technician.