Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Pounding Mill, VA

Yes, you can absolutely use a sand filter with a saltwater pool, but you’ll have to make sure you have the right grade of sand to catch smaller particles, just like in a standard pool. To choose the right pool filter, consider the degree of filtration you’ll need. Cartridge or diatomaceous earth filters can remove smaller particles, so they’re better suited for a less chlorinated saltwater pool.

An above-ground pool with a deck can increase your home's value by as much as 4% to 7%, but it depends on your local climate, potential buyers, and the size and condition of your pool. Some buyers see a pool as a liability instead of a luxury, especially if it's at the end of its life span. In general, it's best to add a pool and deck to your property if it will bring you enjoyment—not because it raises the value of your home.

Generally, you should run your pool pump for eight to 12 hours a day to keep your water clean and chemical levels balanced. The ideal runtime can vary depending on your specific pump type. While running the pump as much as possible is ideal for cleanliness, it can increase electricity costs. To save money, you can run the pump strategically during non-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, which is often in the evenings or at night. The hours do not need to be consecutive.

No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.