If your pool’s pH level is too high, chlorine won’t be as effective. Since chlorine is responsible for sanitation and keeping bacteria out of your pool, a high pH level could create a higher risk for bacterial diseases. It can also make you more susceptible to rashes and infections (like swimmer’s ear). Need to lower your pool’s pH? You can do it yourself for between $5 and $40.

Rectangular pools are the most popular inground pool shape, due to their adaptability to different uses, from swimming laps to hosting parties. These pools can easily include other sought-after features, such as tanning ledges, waterfalls, sport nets, and more. Rectangular pools are also often easier to install and maintain, and prefabricated rectangular pools generally have a shorter installation time, so you can start enjoying your pool faster.

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.

The generator in your saltwater pool conversion kit transforms sodium chloride—the same salt as table salt—into chlorine. A process called electrolysis sends electricity through the water to interact with the chlorine ion. This ultimately creates the chlorine that keeps your pool safe and clean. The cell in your saltwater chlorine generator is the part that converts the salt into chlorine.