Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our pool maintenance 101 guide.

Building a pool yourself will take at least eight to 12 weeks. After all, this is the building timeline after hiring a pool contractor who knows how to draw up plans, analyze your landscape, and apply for proper permits. If you choose to tackle any part of the process alone, assume building a pool will take two to three months at a minimum.

Pool light replacements are often more expensive compared to other pool parts, like pump motors, or standard light bulbs for indoor use. The reason for the higher cost is that pool lights are specially designed and made with parts meant to keep swimmers safe. The light fixture and surrounding parts protecting the bulb must be waterproof, tightly sealed, and resistant to extreme temperatures.

Pool water—or rather, the chlorine in pool water—generally doesn’t damage artificial grass. This type of grass is made from plastic fibers that are incredibly resilient. That said, you can damage artificial grass around a pool in other ways. For example, the sun’s reflection off a window or fence can melt polyethylene fibers. A temporary pool can flatten and cause an indent in turf.