How long after filling a pool can you swim?

• <div><p>Generally speaking, you should expect to wait 24 to 48 hours after filling a pool before you use it. However, the actual timeline depends on a few factors. Most importantly, you need to shock the water with chlorine or an <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-reasons-switch-chlorine-free-drinkable-pool-water.htm">alternative to swimming pool chlorine</a> and let the concentration come down to a safe level before using the pool. Additionally, most water sources will be cold, and it can take days before the sun or your pool heater warms your water to a comfortable temperature. Alternatively, getting water professionally delivered could have you swimming in just a few hours.</p></div>

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Q: Should I brush a pool before shocking?

• <div><p>It is a good idea to brush a pool before shocking. Brushing the sides and floor loosen up anything that is growing on the surface, such as algae. It is then easier for the pool shock to kill the contaminants because more of it will come in contact with the chemicals.</p></div>

Q: What are the proper chemical levels for a pool?

• <div><p>Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pool-maintenance-101.htm">pool maintenance 101 guide</a>.</p></div>

Q: Does vacuuming a pool get rid of algae?

• <div><p>In combination with adequate filtering and water chemical balance, vacuuming will keep your pool from being overrun with algae. If your pool is experiencing algae growth, the same combination will get rid of it with a bit of patience. Heavy algae growth may require the use of an algaecide, and in some cases, you&rsquo;ll want to vacuum the pool 24 to 48 hours after using algaecide to remove dead algae debris.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to shock my pool when I first fill it?

• <div><p>Yes, you will need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-shock-pool.htm">shock your pool</a> with high levels of chlorine or bromine when you first fill it to kill off bacteria and pathogens. You&rsquo;ll need to wait for the chlorine concentration to come back down to a safe level before swimming. After that, you can test and maintain the chlorine and other levels as normal. The only exception to this is if you get pool water delivered by a professional. In that case, the water might come pretreated, so you might not need to shock it. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Above Ground Pool Installation pros in Clark Fork, ID

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Clark Fork, ID is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Above Ground Pool Installation needs.

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Last update on August 19, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
The installer showed up on time and was very knowledgeable. He even gave me some great tips and reinforced my garage door so it would last longer. I would definitely recommend him.
7B Garage Doors Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2024
Very flexible install times. He was willing to adjust his schedules when we had to make adjustments.
Stonehaven Home Services
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Reviewed in May 2024
He did a fantastic job with powering up our barn and shop for the winter months. Installing new outlets and lighting. The quality of the work and pricing was unbeatable. Definitely recommend B&H electric.
B & H Electric
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Reviewed in March 2024
They were very professional and went above and beyond. Very clean work and job site.
C Bear Construction LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
ProMax Mechanical is an outstanding resource for any size hydronic floor heating system. I have been in the design and construction industry for over 35 years and can report that their quality, attention to detail, and hands-on commitment to perfection is unequaled. The business is operated by...
Promax Mechanical, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Excellent workmanship, customer service, and follow up. The installers were Ryan Bansner, Devin B. and Shelmar T. They were very dedicated and a true pleasure to have around for 3 days. I felt I was in good hands.
Renewal by Andersen of Washington
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Reviewed in March 2023
I've utilized many insulation companies over the years and rarely write reviews, but Nick and his guys did an outstanding job and I would HIGHLY recommend them. Their price was excellent, the work was perfect, and they are extremely clean and organized.
Empire Insulation
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Reviewed in November 2022
John & his brother Paul were great communicators. They came when they said they would. They were professional in all aspects of their work. We are very pleased with the install and with our minisplit system. I highly recommend Alpina Mechanical!
Alpina Mechanical, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Basically dittoing others comments. Troy and his team went above and beyond in their flexibility to dynamicalyy and creatively adjusting to unplanned items that went beyond the original scope of work. They seamlessly extended an existing french drain, added some additional drains as well as...
Busenbark Construction
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Reviewed in June 2019
Javier the installer was so kind, and helpful & FAST! Thank you so much
Floorcoverings NW
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Find Above ground pool installation pros in Clark Fork

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Clark Fork, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"The tech was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to satisfy us. Our faucet was broken would not attach to the sink as the copper seal broke to the water lines."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Clark Fork, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"One oven doesn't work at all ( my choice, see above), the "working" oven was never calibrated properly so using it is hit or miss. It's time to call American Home Shield to see about replacing the entire unit. I'm waiting to finish other home projects before calling them. I don't know if I'll request Greenway again."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Browns General Contracting

5.0(

)

Swimming Pool - Above Ground, Build or Install - Have MaterialsSwimming Pool - Above Ground, Build or Install - Need Materials

Serving Clark Fork, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Brown’s General Contracting LLC - Handymen - Remodeling - Pole Barns - Framing - Roofing- Siding - Landscaping - \n

This is one of our roof projects! We laid ridge cap and she looked beautiful.

The small garage got a new metal roof! This made her home look amazing.

+12

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Install Above Ground Pools questions, answered by experts

It is a good idea to brush a pool before shocking. Brushing the sides and floor loosen up anything that is growing on the surface, such as algae. It is then easier for the pool shock to kill the contaminants because more of it will come in contact with the chemicals.

Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our pool maintenance 101 guide.

In combination with adequate filtering and water chemical balance, vacuuming will keep your pool from being overrun with algae. If your pool is experiencing algae growth, the same combination will get rid of it with a bit of patience. Heavy algae growth may require the use of an algaecide, and in some cases, you’ll want to vacuum the pool 24 to 48 hours after using algaecide to remove dead algae debris.

Yes, you will need to shock your pool with high levels of chlorine or bromine when you first fill it to kill off bacteria and pathogens. You’ll need to wait for the chlorine concentration to come back down to a safe level before swimming. After that, you can test and maintain the chlorine and other levels as normal. The only exception to this is if you get pool water delivered by a professional. In that case, the water might come pretreated, so you might not need to shock it.

Generally speaking, you should expect to wait 24 to 48 hours after filling a pool before you use it. However, the actual timeline depends on a few factors. Most importantly, you need to shock the water with chlorine or an alternative to swimming pool chlorine and let the concentration come down to a safe level before using the pool. Additionally, most water sources will be cold, and it can take days before the sun or your pool heater warms your water to a comfortable temperature. Alternatively, getting water professionally delivered could have you swimming in just a few hours.

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