Q: Will my pool collapse if I drain it?

• <div><p>You can avoid pool collapse&mdash;known as pool pop in an inground pool&mdash;if you follow the instructions on how to drain your pool safely. Wait for a temperate, dry day and slowly remove the water with a sump pump, hose, or the attached drains and hydrostatic plugs.</p></div>

Q: Can you swim in a pool with algae?

• <div><p>You shouldn&rsquo;t swim in a pool with algae. When there&rsquo;s algae, there&rsquo;s also bacteria that&rsquo;s feeding on the algae. Also, algae-infested pool water is often chemically imbalanced, which means germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E.coli could be present. These germs can cause a range of illnesses from gastrointestinal issues, to rashes, and respiratory problems.</p><p>The best thing to do is to get rid of the algae first, test and balance the water, and then you can enjoy swimming without any worries.</p></div>

Question 1

Does a pool pump use a lot of electricity?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 2

How many people fit in a 12-by-24-foot above ground pool?

Accepted Answer

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The popular 12-by-24-foot oval above ground pool is ideal for a family of four or a group of four to five people at most. This above ground pool size is popular for balancing space in a backyard and easy use and leaves room for designing a pool deck or patio.

Question 3

Will my pool collapse if I drain it?

Accepted Answer

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You can avoid pool collapse—known as pool pop in an inground pool—if you follow the instructions on how to drain your pool safely. Wait for a temperate, dry day and slowly remove the water with a sump pump, hose, or the attached drains and hydrostatic plugs.

Question 4

Who should you hire to design a pool?

Accepted Answer

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A pool builder can advise you on the best design for your property and vision, and can walk you through the process from design to a swim-ready pool. Knowing which questions to ask a pool builder can help ensure you choose the right person for the job.

Question 5

Can you swim in a pool with algae?

Accepted Answer

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You shouldn’t swim in a pool with algae. When there’s algae, there’s also bacteria that’s feeding on the algae. Also, algae-infested pool water is often chemically imbalanced, which means germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E.coli could be present. These germs can cause a range of illnesses from gastrointestinal issues, to rashes, and respiratory problems.

The best thing to do is to get rid of the algae first, test and balance the water, and then you can enjoy swimming without any worries.