Get matched with top pool table assembly pros in Mapleton, IL

Your aboveground pool might technically be able to stand without water, but you shouldn't consider it stable. Aboveground pools need the weight of water to provide adequate stability and prevent the walls from collapsing in. Be sure to fill your pool with water as soon as possible after installation.

The average installation timeline for putting in an inground pool is between two and three weeks once the permits are approved, but that process can take an additional week or two. There are some things that can extend your timeline by days or even weeks, including ground preparation and excavation—especially if you have problematic soil—moving underground utility or sprinkler lines out of the way, installing the actual pool, and backfilling around the area. Additionally, many pool companies may have a waitlist due to high demand, meaning you could wait for months for the installation to be complete.

In-ground pools lose water naturally due to wind, heat, and humidity. They also lose water from the kiddos' cannonball competitions. But be mindful of the water level. If it drops too low and the pump draws in air instead of water, it will likely be damaged and require repair or replacement.

An easy way to know whether your sand filter has enough sand is to check how full the filter is and what the sand looks and feels like. The filter container should be two-thirds to three-quarters full of sand. Look for interior marks indicating the ideal sand level. If you put your hand into the sand, it should flow through your fingers without clumping. The filter pressure gauge is also an easy indicator—the right amount of sand leads to normal pressure, while too much or too little sand can cause high or low pressure.