Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Trophy Club, TX

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.

Shock can clear a cloudy pool if the problem is insufficient free chlorine or an accumulation of chloramines from “spent” chlorine. However, it can make the issue worse if a high level of chlorine or a pH imbalance is the root cause of the problem. Test your pool water before treating the cloudiness to ensure you’re making the right call.

Your indoor pool can be heated or unheated, but the decision depends on your local climate. In regions with freezing temperatures, heating your pool will keep it warm during the winter, especially if it’s only covered with a greenhouse enclosure. 

If you keep your swimming water warm and toasty, budget between $300 and $5,700 for the cost of installing a pool heater.

Generally speaking, you should expect to wait 24 to 48 hours after filling a pool before you use it. However, the actual timeline depends on a few factors. Most importantly, you need to shock the water with chlorine or an alternative to swimming pool chlorine and let the concentration come down to a safe level before using the pool. Additionally, most water sources will be cold, and it can take days before the sun or your pool heater warms your water to a comfortable temperature. Alternatively, getting water professionally delivered could have you swimming in just a few hours.