Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Bainbridge, NY

No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.

The best way to kill off an algae bloom in an aboveground pool is to shock it with a large dose of chlorine. Shock typically kills off algae in about one to three days, although it can take longer if the pool water is in poor condition. After the shock treatment, add algaecide to prevent algae from growing back, and test the water every few days with test strips to ensure the pool’s pH doesn’t get out of whack.

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.

Most importantly, you should never cut corners when building a pool. Whether it’s an in-ground or aboveground, poorly constructed pools are dangerous to both the swimmers and your property. Leaks can even lead to home foundation damage. While you can DIY smaller elements of pool installation, always hire a contractor to oversee the process.