Q: Can I fill in a pool by myself?

• <div><p>Technically, you can fill in a pool yourself&mdash;with the caveat that filling in a pool requires the ability to drain the pool properly and move a substantial amount of dirt, which aren&rsquo;t beginner DIY skills. If you want to fill in a pool, you&rsquo;re better off hiring a local pool removal professional.</p></div>

Q: What’s the least expensive way to fill a pool with water?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll save money by filling your pool by hose rather than water delivery. Since water delivery includes delivery fees and filling the pool, the savings between the two can be a difference of up to several hundred dollars. Generally, using your hose costs $26 to $70 less per 1,000 gallons than using water delivery.</p></div>

Question 1

Can I fill in a pool by myself?

Accepted Answer

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Technically, you can fill in a pool yourself—with the caveat that filling in a pool requires the ability to drain the pool properly and move a substantial amount of dirt, which aren’t beginner DIY skills. If you want to fill in a pool, you’re better off hiring a local pool removal professional.

Question 2

Does a pool need a dedicated circuit?

Accepted Answer

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Whether or not a pool needs a dedicated circuit depends on the electrical needs of the motor, lights, and pump. Keep in mind that pool motors can use a lot of electricity. A dedicated circuit can prevent the breaker from tripping whenever you use the pool. A small motor for an equally small pool may only need a GFCI outlet. It’s best to plug it directly into the outlet rather than using an extension cord. You should also consult an electrician to ensure your pool’s electrical system is in accordance with local regulations.

Question 3

What’s the least expensive way to fill a pool with water?

Accepted Answer

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You’ll save money by filling your pool by hose rather than water delivery. Since water delivery includes delivery fees and filling the pool, the savings between the two can be a difference of up to several hundred dollars. Generally, using your hose costs $26 to $70 less per 1,000 gallons than using water delivery.

Question 4

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 5

Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can put too much shock in a pool, and it is crucial to follow the directions on the product you are using. Adding excess shock can upset the chemical balance, make the water cloudy, have adverse effects on swimmers, damage pool equipment or surfaces, and even encourage certain types of algae to grow. If you have over-shocked your pool, perform a water test and adjust the chemicals as necessary. The pool's chemical balance will eventually return to normal as the excess chlorine dissipates over time.