Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Hailey, ID

It’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours after opening your pool before you swim in it. Pool opening often involves shocking the water, and the chemical levels need to come down a bit before it’s safe to swim. You can continue testing your water pH and chlorine levels if you’re in a rush. It’s wise to wait until your chlorine levels drop to under four parts per million (ppm) and you have a water pH of between 7.2 and 7.8. You can artificially lower your water pH to speed up the process.

If a pool turns green after adding salt, there’s a good chance the salt is the problem. Certain brands of salt have high levels of iron that cause pool water to take on a green hue. Test your pool water to determine if this is the issue. The green color will usually filter out. Brush the sides of the pool to knock the iron off.

This is just one reason a pool can turn green that is specific to adding salt. Many other reasons a pool can turn green include algae growth, low chlorine levels, a faulty filter, etc.

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.

Rectangular pools, particularly those made of vinyl or fiberglass, are the easiest to maintain. The long, straight sides, right angles, and smoother surface make regular cleaning a breeze without having to maneuver into curves and nooks. Rectangular pools also tend to be standard sizes, so you may have an easier time when it comes time to replace liners, covers, and other parts.