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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.

Your pool should only lose around 1/4 of an inch of water per day, give or take. More wind, sunlight, and heat will cause this number to increase, while rainy or cloudy days will decrease the amount of water that evaporates.

You can have an automatic pool cover with a saltwater pool, but it’s important to know that the small levels of salt in your pool can eventually corrode the metal parts of the pool cover. This means you’ll have to keep your unit clean, especially the reels, pulleys, and tracks. As with any other pool cover, test your chlorine levels weekly and keep them on the lower end of the threshold.

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.