No, according to the CDC, animals do not usually pose health risks to swimmers, even if one dies. If a pool is maintained well, chlorine should kill any germs left by an animal within minutes. That said, homeowners should remove the animal as soon as possible and clean and disinfect the pool afterward.

Whether your homeowners insurance covers a pool leak depends on your specific policy, so it's essential to check your policy documents before taking on any repairs. Typically, leaks caused by a covered event, such as a fallen tree branch or a fire, may be covered. However, leaks resulting from general wear and tear or poor maintenance are usually not. It is also a good practice to review your homeowners insurance policy before installing a pool to fully understand your personal liability and coverage.

Off-season pool-building prices often align with the time of year you're least likely to use a pool. Many contractors offer deals in the late fall and winter to bolster the slow time of year. However, if you live in an area with freezing winters, you'll need to wait beyond the final frost and threats of extreme weather.

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?