How long can water sit in a pool without chlorine?

• <div><p>You should add chlorine within 48 hours of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-fill-pool-water.htm">filling your pool with water</a>. In just 24 hours, bacteria and algae will begin to grow and contaminate your water. After that point, you’ll need to shock the water with high levels of chlorine, and you’ll likely need to do additional vacuuming to get the pool clean. It’s important to check your chlorine levels two to three times a week and add more chlorine as needed to maintain a healthy level.</p></div>

Should I get an aboveground or in-ground pool?

• <div><p>In-ground pools are more durable and have a longer lifespan, but aboveground pools are an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. Aboveground pools are also easier to remove if you no longer want to maintain one.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-installing-above-ground-pool-cost.htm">cost of an aboveground pool</a> is $800 to $5,000 for materials and $1,000 to $3,000 for labor. Before deciding, weigh the pros and cons of each pool.</p></div>

Top-rated above ground pool installation pros.

Best above ground pool installation pros near Columbus, MT

Q: What happens to a pool pump if it isn’t primed?

• <div><p>A swimming pool pump has to have water in it to run properly. If the pump isn&rsquo;t primed and tries to run when it&rsquo;s dry, the components will overheat which can cause the pump to seize up and can even damage the PVC pipes that carry the water into and out of it. Essentially, running a pump that isn&rsquo;t primed can lead to having to replace the entire pump.</p></div>

Q: Can too much chlorine make a pool cloudy?

• <div><p>Yes, too much chlorine can make your pool cloudy, especially after you have recently shocked it. However, low chlorine levels are a more common cause of cloudy water. An imbalance in pH or an excess of any chemical can also lead to cloudiness. To determine the specific cause, you should test your pool water to check the levels of chlorine, pH, and other chemicals. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear.</p></div>

Q: How do you find a leak in an aboveground pool?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering how to find a leak in an aboveground pool, the process is the same as it is for an in-ground pool. Note that the vinyl liner in aboveground pools is fairly thin, so sharp objects easily puncture it. Additionally, the liner can wear down after constant exposure to pool chemicals, especially when chlorine levels are higher than they should be. For these reasons, small holes in the vinyl liner often cause leaks, but you can easily detect them with the dye test.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Above Ground Pool Installation pros in Columbus, MT

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Columbus, MT 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 Columbus, MT 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 June 20, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Removed asphalt singles and installed raised seam metal roof. Did an amazing job. Very friendly and pleasant to work with. Did everything he said he would for the price he quoted. Highly recommend this company. Couldn’t be happier with the quality of the service and job.
Diamond Roofing and Solar, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2026
The installers were great. They were courteous and professional and worked efficiently. I have and will continue to share our experience with others looking for new windows and doors.
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in September 2022
The guys did an excellent job in my opinion. They had to do some excavating to get down to the pipe. The complete pipe was replaced, not patched in. The septic tanked was pumped out, inspected, and an access cover was installed above the ground for future cleaning. The guy did everything to the...
Western Septic and Vacuum Services
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Reviewed in October 2020
We had a septic system installed recently The only reason we gave them 1 star is because of the crew that came out (Fred and Adolfo). They were great. The owner (owners)/management was far from great. Pros: The crew that came out was good. Cons: Customer Service, Time Management,...
24/7 Septic Services
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Reviewed in December 2019
I called Premier roofing I spoke with Sergio he came out immediately to check out my problem Saturday and they started the job on Monday finished it on Tuesday and did amazing work they are so good so accurate at what they do and they keep their promises and they even get the job done before...
Premier Roofing of California
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Reviewed in July 2019
Matt Melle and his crew cut the dead limbs out of seven very old and scraggly looking elm trees. They did a great job! The trees look good and nary a twig left on the ground! We could not be more pleased! A job well done. We highly recommend Melle.
Melle's Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2016
Rick is excellent in all areas of home repair. He repaired dry rot on two of four footings on a large patio cover, rewired water damaged light switches, replaced fascia board on a section of roof, rebuilt an RV gate, installed and wired a new outdoor light fixture, and painted everything that...
R. Moat Construction
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Top-Rated Above ground pool installation pros in Columbus - Updated Nov 2026

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Columbus, MT 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 Columbus, MT 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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Install Above Ground Pools FAQs, answered by experts

A swimming pool pump has to have water in it to run properly. If the pump isn’t primed and tries to run when it’s dry, the components will overheat which can cause the pump to seize up and can even damage the PVC pipes that carry the water into and out of it. Essentially, running a pump that isn’t primed can lead to having to replace the entire pump.

You should add chlorine within 48 hours of filling your pool with water. In just 24 hours, bacteria and algae will begin to grow and contaminate your water. After that point, you’ll need to shock the water with high levels of chlorine, and you’ll likely need to do additional vacuuming to get the pool clean. It’s important to check your chlorine levels two to three times a week and add more chlorine as needed to maintain a healthy level.

Yes, too much chlorine can make your pool cloudy, especially after you have recently shocked it. However, low chlorine levels are a more common cause of cloudy water. An imbalance in pH or an excess of any chemical can also lead to cloudiness. To determine the specific cause, you should test your pool water to check the levels of chlorine, pH, and other chemicals. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear.

In-ground pools are more durable and have a longer lifespan, but aboveground pools are an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. Aboveground pools are also easier to remove if you no longer want to maintain one.

The cost of an aboveground pool is $800 to $5,000 for materials and $1,000 to $3,000 for labor. Before deciding, weigh the pros and cons of each pool.

If you’re wondering how to find a leak in an aboveground pool, the process is the same as it is for an in-ground pool. Note that the vinyl liner in aboveground pools is fairly thin, so sharp objects easily puncture it. Additionally, the liner can wear down after constant exposure to pool chemicals, especially when chlorine levels are higher than they should be. For these reasons, small holes in the vinyl liner often cause leaks, but you can easily detect them with the dye test.

The Columbus, MT 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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