Do I need to take all the water out of an above ground pool for winter?

• <div><p>When you’re winterizing your pool, you need to drain some of the water to prevent cracking and warping from ice. Nonetheless, you should never drain all of the water. Ideally, you’ll lower the water level to anywhere from four to six inches below the skimmer. This will protect the structural integrity of the walls, help prevent your pool liner from warping, and reduce damage from debris. </p></div>

How long after pool opening can you swim?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-lower-pool.htm">lower your water pH</a> to speed up the process.</p></div>

Top-rated above ground pool installation pros.

Best above ground pool installation pros near Paul, ID

Q: What is the ideal pH for swimming pools?

• <div><p>Any number between 7.2 and 7.8 is an ideal pH for swimming pools or 80 to 120 ppm. Your pool testing kit should be able to measure both of these numbers. If your pool&rsquo;s pH is below this range, the water is too acidic and can cause scaling and damage to pool equipment. If the water&rsquo;s pH is above this range, it can decrease the effectiveness of necessary chemicals, like chlorine.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to take all the water out of an above ground pool for winter?

• <div><p>When you&rsquo;re winterizing your pool, you need to drain some of the water to prevent cracking and warping from ice. Nonetheless, you should never drain all of the water. Ideally, you&rsquo;ll lower the water level to anywhere from four to six inches below the skimmer. This will protect the structural integrity of the walls, help prevent your pool liner from warping, and reduce damage from debris. </p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a gunite pool?

• <div><p>The life expectancy of a gunite pool is about 100 years or more with proper care. Clean your pool at least once a week and plan to resurface it every five to seven years. For winter, close down the gunite pool but don&rsquo;t drain it. And you can increase your gunite pool&rsquo;s longevity by repairing any damage and addressing any issues as soon as you notice them.</p></div>

Q: How long after pool opening can you swim?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;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&rsquo;s safe to swim. You can continue testing your water pH and chlorine levels if you&rsquo;re in a rush. It&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-lower-pool.htm">lower your water pH</a> to speed up the process.</p></div>

Q: What is a good-sized pool for a small backyard?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/small-backyard-ideas.htm">Small backyards</a> are not a reason to write off fun upgrades like an above ground pool. You can find both soft and hard-sided above ground pools as small as 8 feet in diameter as well as 9-by-18-feet rectangles or 10-by-16-feet ovals. You will need at least 2 to 3 feet around the outside of your pool for additional support and for placing pool equipment, but a professional pool installer can help you find a model that's right for your tiny outdoor space.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Above Ground Pool Installation pros in Paul, ID

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Paul, 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.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Paul, 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.

Last update on July 10, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
I couldn't be happier with the job he did! He removed two large trees, ground both stumps completely, and cleaned up every bit of debris before he left. When he was finished, you couldn't even tell the trees had been there. He was professional, hardworking, arrived on time, and treated my...
HardscapePlus LLC
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Reviewed in January 2026
We’ve had such a great experience every time we’ve used this plumber. Most recently, I called to have new faucets installed and he was able to come out the same day, did a great job, and left everything clean. He’s also installed shower faucets for us and fixed a toilet in the past, and every...
AquaWorkz
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Reviewed in October 2024
Graded ground for home site was done right the first time and in a timely manner. Very professional and a joy to work with.
Shade Tree Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
The installer was efficient. They came and did the job with very little mess left behind. The contractor was friendly. He answered all my questions. Went through and explained what was going to happen when the installers arrived to do the job.
Transformers Idaho MV LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Bill and Nick with the install team were awesome. Polite and professional in their work and interactions with us. On the sales side everyone we worked with was top notch.
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
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Reviewed in July 2022
Kory and his crew were amazing! They were so helpful and professional. They gave us tips on how to install the fence and responded fast when we had additional questions through the install. I would give them a million stars if I could! We will always be using them for our fencing needs....
Fence Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2022
They were very kind, they explained the entire process of the contract and the installation with detail and patience, we liked the quality of the products they offer.
DaBella - Twin Falls
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Reviewed in May 2022
Joe was professional, impressive, and efficient with getting my dead pine tree cut down behind my house in twin falls Idaho, before it could potentially cause major damage to my workshop garage that it was leaning towards. He was able to get into a tight area that would have been very tricky...
Permaculture Planets LLC
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Reviewed in August 2020
The team sent to install my windows were professional and took extra care regarding the furnishings. The windows replaced were 3 ex-large picture and 1 lg. kitchen all didn't open,. They were super old and not energy efficient. Temperature usually @ 5pm was 80 in the house. The next day...
Dreamstyle Remodeling of New Mexico
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Reviewed in June 2018
Workers were courteous and prompt. They troubleshooted lots of things about the install. Door looks great, but they still need to return and fix some tile that was affected by the install. Very fair pricing. Hope to do business with them again.
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Top-Rated Above ground pool installation pros in Paul - Updated Nov 2026

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Paul, 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(

5,689

)

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Paul, 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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Little John's Plumbing LLC

5.0(

)

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Paul, ID and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Plumbing service and repair,water heaters, water softeners, recipes, remodels.We guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today.

+18

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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AnyTime Spas Service & Repairs

5.0(

)

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Paul, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Hot Tub, Pool, and Spa service including installs, repairs, and opening and closing services that are customizable to each individual property. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Install Above Ground Pools FAQs, answered by experts

Any number between 7.2 and 7.8 is an ideal pH for swimming pools or 80 to 120 ppm. Your pool testing kit should be able to measure both of these numbers. If your pool’s pH is below this range, the water is too acidic and can cause scaling and damage to pool equipment. If the water’s pH is above this range, it can decrease the effectiveness of necessary chemicals, like chlorine.

When you’re winterizing your pool, you need to drain some of the water to prevent cracking and warping from ice. Nonetheless, you should never drain all of the water. Ideally, you’ll lower the water level to anywhere from four to six inches below the skimmer. This will protect the structural integrity of the walls, help prevent your pool liner from warping, and reduce damage from debris.

The life expectancy of a gunite pool is about 100 years or more with proper care. Clean your pool at least once a week and plan to resurface it every five to seven years. For winter, close down the gunite pool but don’t drain it. And you can increase your gunite pool’s longevity by repairing any damage and addressing any issues as soon as you notice them.

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.

Small backyards are not a reason to write off fun upgrades like an above ground pool. You can find both soft and hard-sided above ground pools as small as 8 feet in diameter as well as 9-by-18-feet rectangles or 10-by-16-feet ovals. You will need at least 2 to 3 feet around the outside of your pool for additional support and for placing pool equipment, but a professional pool installer can help you find a model that's right for your tiny outdoor space.

The Paul, ID homeowners’ guide to above ground pool installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Can You Put an Above Ground Pool in the Ground? Here’s What to Know
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Knowing the size of above-ground pools will help you choose the right one for you. Here are the measurements and types of above-ground pools to know.