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.

You can check if your pool is bonded by looking for a copper wire that connects to the motor and pumps and then extends into the ground. However, if you’re unfamiliar with electrical wiring, contacting a pool electrician to inspect the motor and pumps is safest. An electrician can check the system and determine if it is up to code and meets all swimming pool bonding requirements.

If your pool’s pH level is too high, chlorine won’t be as effective. Since chlorine is responsible for sanitation and keeping bacteria out of your pool, a high pH level could create a higher risk for bacterial diseases. It can also make you more susceptible to rashes and infections (like swimmer’s ear). Need to lower your pool’s pH? You can do it yourself for between $5 and $40.

Pool water—or rather, the chlorine in pool water—generally doesn’t damage artificial grass. This type of grass is made from plastic fibers that are incredibly resilient. That said, you can damage artificial grass around a pool in other ways. For example, the sun’s reflection off a window or fence can melt polyethylene fibers. A temporary pool can flatten and cause an indent in turf.