Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Cowley, WY

If you wait until fall or winter, you might see sales on pools and pool materials, enabling you to save a good amount on this home improvement project. Sometimes pool servicing companies try to make space for next year’s inventory, or the materials are cheaper when fewer construction projects happen during colder months. 

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.

Yes, it's normal for pool pumps to make noises—like a humming or gentle rumbling sound. But if your pool pump is making loud noises, then this could indicate an underlying problem. Sounds to keep an ear out for include grinding, whining, screeching, and banging noises. Also, pay attention to any new or louder sounds emanating from your pump.

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.