If you wait until fall or winter, you might see sales on pools and pool materials, enabling you to save a good amount on this home improvement project. Sometimes pool servicing companies try to make space for next year’s inventory, or the materials are cheaper when fewer construction projects happen during colder months. 

Yes, it’s possible to DIY a plunge pool and shave labor costs off of the project total. If you’re considering a DIY build, keep in mind that you will be responsible for pool installation and landscaping (which may require excavation). This type of DIY project is best left to particularly handy homeowners who have prior pool installation experience. 

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.

The most expensive part of building a pool is typically the excavation and labor, which can account for 25% to 50% of the total project cost. This is particularly true for inground pools that require significant excavation, potentially including the rental of large equipment, and extensive construction labor. In contrast, above-ground pools are generally less expensive as they typically do not require excavation and can be installed much more quickly. Concrete in-ground pools are among the most labor-intensive options.