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Rectangular pools, particularly those made of vinyl or fiberglass, are the easiest to maintain. The long, straight sides, right angles, and smoother surface make regular cleaning a breeze without having to maneuver into curves and nooks. Rectangular pools also tend to be standard sizes, so you may have an easier time when it comes time to replace liners, covers, and other parts.

Just like a traditional in-ground pool, semi-inground pools can be between three and eight feet deep. Lap pools, for example, are often an average of 4 feet deep, while a traditional pool may have both a shallow and deep end. The depth of your semi-inground pool depends on the liner you purchase, as well as how much excavation you plan to do before the installation.

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.

Before deciding to install a swimming pool in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Even if you still need to figure out the specifics with your pool installer, having an idea of what you'd like will help the initial consultation. Some topics to consider include:

• Will you use salt water for your pool or traditional hose water?

• How big of a pool do you want to install? How deep?

• What special zoning laws do you need to follow for your area?

• Do you want to keep it simple or add special features like underwater lighting and waterfalls?