The most expensive part of building a pool is typically the excavation and labor, which can account for 25% to 50% of the total project cost. This is particularly true for inground pools that require significant excavation, potentially including the rental of large equipment, and extensive construction labor. In contrast, above-ground pools are generally less expensive as they typically do not require excavation and can be installed much more quickly. Concrete in-ground pools are among the most labor-intensive options.

You don’t need to drain the whole pool to patch a pool liner, but be prepared to dive in with your swimsuit and goggles to patch a leak below the water level. By draining the pool, you can actually expose the liner to more harsh conditions, like wind and sunlight, that cause the tears to worsen. It’s best to use the ink test and waterproof patches or tape to identify the leak and patch it up.

Once you use a pH decreaser, you can expect the pH to adjust in two to four hours. If you use a strong chemical like muriatic acid, it could take as little as an hour. Either way, it’s best to wait for a full turnover cycle before retesting. You want to make sure the chemical is completely dissolved and evenly distributed or you won’t have a stable pH level.

It's not ideal, and if your pool’s pH is seriously low (below 7), swimming can be dangerous until you raise it, potentially causing severe irritation and damage to the skin and eyes.

Keep in mind that low pH can also be responsible for damaging the pool itself. Acidic water can contribute to the cracking of your pool's liner, which may cost up to $2,500 to replace, making this an expensive fix.