The easy and short answer is...'Sometimes' and or 'It depends' particularly when a safety cover is the proposed barrier. The complication stems from the multitude of building departments, zoning departments, and different guidelines at each. For some homeowners a lack of any governing department at all may actually work in this case to their benefit.

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The truth is that a crane is almost never needed to install a pool. In fact all it really does is increase the risk and the cost of the project. The neighbors may get a charge out of it and it may be thrilling for the pool guy but in my opinion it's reckless and unneeded with the right planning, diligence, and patience. See what can happen when a crane is misused...

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When testing your pool water for "available" or "free" chlorine (CL) you are measuring the amount of chlorine that is in the pool and is ready to attack a waste. If your test indicates 0.0 CL there may be chlorine in the pool working to sanitize the pool BUT there is no extra, "Free", or "Available" chlorine to attack new or additional waste. In this state it is possible to have a perfectly clear and clean pool as well as SMELL chlorine (really chloramines) but not have any CL register on a test.

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If and HOW you're going to heat your pool is a definitely a consideration when you are planning your project. If a heater is in the budget I highly recommend heat pumps. They are by far the best and easiest way to heat your pool. If not many people ask if they should get a solar cover. My answer is no. Though they absolutely work to heat the pool as well as retain heat at night, they have other shortcomings that I think are not worth it.

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As I talk to customers each day about the benefits of fiberglass vs. vinyl swimming pools I find myself sometimes just saying the words and not really thinking about the TRUE benefits of fiberglass. Sure the whole easy maintenance thing is a huge and REAL benefit as are the integrated bench seats and stairs, as is the gorgeous color! But the real benefit to most clients is the sheer durability. It most cases it's taken for complete granted or not even realized until they own the pool. What do I mean? Read on.

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