Pool Guides

Call a pro for growing cracks, water loss beyond about ¼ inch a day, sand or DE in the pool, and any electrical or gas fault. Most water problems are DIY.

Backwash a sand or DE filter when pressure hits 8 to 10 PSI over baseline, run it until the sight glass clears (2 to 3 minutes), then rinse 30 to 60 seconds.

Most inground pool filter tanks last 10 to 20 years, but cartridges last 1 to 3, sand 3 to 7, and DE grids 5 to 10. Here’s when to clean vs. replace.

Yes, in the right market. A pool can add up to about 7% to a home’s value, but sellers typically recover about 56% of what the pool cost to build.

A beautiful inground pool should feel like a complete outdoor retreat, not just a pool dropped into the middle of your yard. The right cabana can connect the pool with the rest of your backyard by adding comfort, shade, and a place where people naturally gather. The best pool cabana

Finding the right inground pool builder in Dallas-Fort Worth depends on your design goals, budget, and the type of backyard you want to create.  Below, we compare eight builders on pool type and Google ratings, then cover North Texas clay, permits, and what to ask before you sign. Quick Comparison

7 picks for Temecula: Premier Pools & Spas, Majestic, 20th Century Pools,, All Family Pools, Tranquility, Infinium and Temecula Valley Custom Pools.

15 ways to shade a pool without blocking the view, from cantilever and ledge umbrellas to shade sails, louvered pergolas, and trees set back from the edge.

Solar covers hold heat, mesh and solid safety covers ($1,500 to $5,000) protect a closed pool, and automatic covers ($15,000 to $25,000) do both every day.

17 ways to make your pool private, from hedges and slatted screens to pergolas and shade sails for second-story views, plus water walls for noise.

Often, yes, if bugs, leaves, or storms keep you out of the pool. Full screen enclosures run about $15,000 to $50,000. Glass and retractable cost more.

Corpus Christi: Premier Pools & Spas, Pools-R-Us, Apex, Blue Haven, Republic Pools, Keith Zars, Copano Pools, and B.A.M! Pools & Spas.

8 picks for Phoenix: Premier Pools & Spas, Specialty Pools, Shasta, California Pools, Tribal Waters, True Blue, Dolphin Pools, and Presidential Pools.

7 picks for Myrtle Beach: Premier Pools & Spas, BGI Pools, Shoreview Pools, Mauricio Pools, Sunco Pools & Spas, Coastal Pool Works, and Arnold’s Pools.

A vinyl liner inground pool costs about $40,000 to $90,000+ to install, making it one of the most affordable ways to add a custom inground pool to your backyard. The tradeoff is that the vinyl liner wears out and needs replacement about every 7 to 10 years, and each replacement

If you want a pool ready for summer, don’t wait until spring to start. By then, spring is the busiest permit season in markets like Richmond, and permits alone can take several weeks. In the Southeast, the best time to build a pool is fall or winter. Builder schedules are

Plan your pool safety features from the very beginning, especially if you have young kids or host guests often. Safety doesn’t have to fight with design. A sleek infinity edge and a gate alarm can share the same backyard. Planned in from the start, most of these features are a

An inground pool heater costs between $4,500 and $20,000 installed, with the total price depending on whether you choose a gas heater, an electric heat pump, or a solar heating system. While the purchase price matters, the heater’s operating costs over the next several years can have an even bigger

Most pool automation systems cost $2,500 to $5,000. They’re worth it if you have a spa, heater, multiple lights, or water features to run on one schedule.

17 inground pool lighting ideas: white and color LEDs, fiber-optic stars, lit steps and ledges, glowing spas and waterfalls, deck lights, and smart scenes.

Premier Pools & Spas, Master Pools, Coastal Poolscapes, Coastal Aquatic, Cardinal Pools, Saltwater Lagoons, and Ocean Blue top our Wilmington, NC list.

Winterize once water hits 65°F degrees Fahrenheit: balance the chemistry, drain the equipment, blow out the lines, then cover the pool. See all 11 steps and when to call a pro.

Get your Jacksonville pool permit approved: apply through JAXEPICS, submit a site plan and required safety forms, and file a Notice of Commencement if your job costs over $5,000.

Premier Pools & Spas, Clarkson Pools, and Island Pools are among the best inground pool builders in Jacksonville FL. Compare all 7 on pool type, services, and licensing.

Premier Pools & Spas, Town & Country Pools, and Beltway Pools are among the best inground pool builders in Northern Virginia. Compare all 7 on pool type, services, and local permit requirements.

Premier Pools & Spas, Nassau Pools, and Superior Pools are among the best inground pool builders in Fort Myers FL. Compare all 7 on pool type and the local issues that matter most.

Premier Pools & Spas, Douglas Aquatics, and Anthony & Sylvan Pools are among the best inground pool builders in Richmond VA. Compare all 6 on pool type, licensing, and local fit.

15 pool and outdoor kitchen ideas, from poolside layouts to grills, shade, and dining. Plan the flow so cooking, serving, and swimming never cross paths.

17 pool water feature ideas for luxury inground pools, from sheer descents and deck jets to infinity edges. See real costs and what fits your backyard.

Yes, if your pool is concrete or gunite. Compare attached, raised, standalone, and portable spa costs, and see what fiberglass and vinyl pools allow.

Yes, if you have a strong view, elevation change, and budget for custom engineering. See vanishing edge costs and cheaper ways to get the look.

21 pool tile ideas for inground pools and spas, from waterline bands and glass mosaics to custom mosaic art. See what fits your pool and your budget.

21 luxury pool ideas for small backyards, from plunge and cocktail pools to tanning ledges, dark finishes, and privacy layouts. See what fits your yard.

Pool quotes rarely tell the whole story. Learn the hidden pool costs homeowners miss, from permits and dirt haul-off to fencing, landscaping, and upkeep.

Choosing pool decking? See the best materials for inground pools, including pavers, travertine, concrete, tile, wood, and composite decking.

An inground pool rarely pays for itself at resale, but it’s not really a financial decision. See when a pool is actually worth it.

A tanning ledge pool has a shallow shelf for lounging in a few inches of water. See the right depth, size, cost ranges, and design ideas before you build.

Pool coping costs $10 to $90+ per linear foot depending on material. Compare styles and find the right fit for your pool.

Before you sign a pool contract, ask these 15 questions. See what to expect from licensing, quotes, timelines, and warranties.

Most HOAs require pool approval separate from your building permit. See what’s reviewed and how to avoid delays

Pool builds take 3 to 8 months from consultation to swim, depending on pool type. See a realistic timeline breakdown by phase and region.

Concrete and gunite pools are often confused. Learn the real difference, cost, durability, maintenance, and which option fits your backyard.

Pool permit requirements vary by city, but most inground pools need one. See what approvals, documents, and costs to expect before you build.

Gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl pools all age differently. Compare lifespan, maintenance, repairs, and which inground pool lasts longest.

Vinyl liner pools cost $40,000 to $90,000 or more in 2026. See install costs, liner replacement, hidden fees, and what homeowners should budget.

Fiberglass pools cost $50,000 to $175,000 or more in 2026. See what affects price, hidden costs, upgrades, and what homeowners should expect to budget.

Gunite pools cost $50,000 to $200,000 or more. See what affects price, hidden costs, upgrades, and what homeowners should budget for in 2026.

Saltwater costs more upfront but feels softer and needs less chlorine. Chlorine costs less to install. Compare cost, upkeep, and what’s right for your pool.

Gunite is better for a fully custom luxury pool with unique features. Fiberglass is better for fast installation and low maintenance. Compare both here.

Pool resurfacing costs between $6,000 and $15,000+ for most homeowners. See costs by pool type, finish material, and what factors drive the price up or down.

Pool maintenance costs $120 to $500 per month on average, or $1,500 to $6,000 per year. See the full cost breakdown by pool type, service, and what actually drives your bill.