Pool leaks can occur in the shell, plumbing, or equipment and are detected using bucket tests, dye tests, and pressure testing. Most minor leaks can be DIY repaired, but structural damage requires professional assessment.
Most Texas pools operate 8-10 months per year (March through November) due to the warm climate. With proper heating systems, many pools can stay open year-round in most Texas regions.
Pool heating time depends on heater type, pool size, and temperature difference. Gas heaters typically raise temperature 1-2°F per hour, while heat pumps achieve 3-5°F per hour on smaller pools.
In most areas, you legally need a pool fence if your pool is 18+ inches deep. Pool fences must be at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent accidental drowning, especially for children.
Inground pool costs range from $35,000-$100,000+ depending on size, materials, and features. Concrete pools are most expensive ($50,000-$100,000), vinyl liner pools are mid-range ($35,000-$65,000), and fiberglass pools fall in between ($40,000-$85,000).
You can shock your pool during the day, but it's less effective due to UV rays breaking down chlorine. Evening shocking after sunset provides better results and longer-lasting sanitization.
You need a pool heater if you live in a climate where water temperatures drop below 78°F during your desired swimming season, or if you want to extend your pool usage beyond the natural warm months.
Yes, vinyl pool liners can be recycled through specialized programs, though standard curbside recycling won't accept them. Most manufacturers offer take-back programs, and some waste management companies have vinyl recycling options.
Yes, pools can leak due to structural damage, equipment failures, or plumbing issues. Most pools lose 1/4 inch of water daily from evaporation, but losses exceeding 1/2 inch daily typically indicate a leak.
Pool chlorine can clean concrete when properly diluted (1:10 ratio), but muriatic acid or specialized concrete cleaners are safer and more effective options for most concrete cleaning tasks.
While you can technically leave your pool covered all summer, it's not recommended as it creates anaerobic conditions that promote algae growth and equipment damage. If you must keep it covered, you'll need modified maintenance procedures.
Yes, you can use pool filter sand in your garden after proper cleaning and testing. Pool filter sand improves soil drainage and aeration, but requires thorough rinsing to remove pool chemicals and chlorine residue first.
Yes, you must rinse pool filter sand both before installation to remove dust and debris, and after installation through backwashing. Proper rinsing prevents cloudy water and ensures optimal filtration performance.
Whether you need a robotic pool cleaner depends on your pool size, debris levels, available cleaning time, and budget. Most pools over 20,000 gallons with heavy debris benefit significantly from robotic cleaners.
Backwash your pool sand filter for 2-3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass runs clear. This typically happens when your pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.
