How long does it take for pH to lower in a pool?

• <div><p>Once you use a pH decreaser, you can expect the pH to adjust in two to four hours. If you use a strong chemical like muriatic acid, it could take as little as an hour. Either way, it’s best to wait for a full turnover cycle before retesting. You want to make sure the chemical is completely dissolved and evenly distributed or you won’t have a stable pH level.</p></div>

Will my saltwater pool water taste salty?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn’t be able to taste the salt at all since saltwater pools only contain about 10% of the salt you’d find in ocean water. Saltwater pools do create some chlorine, though, so you should still try not to drink the water.</p></div>

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Best above ground pool installation pros near Columbus, MT

Q: How much do pool services cost?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-maintain-swimming-pool.htm">Pool maintenance costs</a> an average of <b>$230</b> per service, with prices ranging from <b>$50 to $750 per service</b>, depending on several factors. The type of service will usually be the most significant cost factor, as opening and closing a pool takes a few hours and can total <b>$400 or more</b>, while regular cleanings could cost under <b>$100</b>. The size of your pool and the type of pool&mdash;above-ground, in-ground, saltwater&mdash;can also affect the price of maintenance.</p></div>

Q: What is the average gallon pool size?

• <div><p>The average pool size in gallons is 15,360. This number is for a 16&rsquo; x 32&rsquo; pool with a four-foot depth. However, many pools have different depths at each end or irregular sizes, so you may need to use the formulas above to calculate exactly how many gallons of water you need.</p></div>

Q: Are shock and chlorine the same thing?

• <div><p>No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.</p></div>

Q: Will my saltwater pool water taste salty?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t be able to taste the salt at all since saltwater pools only contain about 10% of the salt you&rsquo;d find in ocean water. Saltwater pools do create some chlorine, though, so you should still try not to drink the water.</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.

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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

"Called AHS....who sent service request to AAA Flexible Pipe. Adam came out quickly and installed new pump just before HEAVY rains hit...Fast and efficient service from AHS and AAA FLEXIBLE PIPE CLEANING."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Install Above Ground Pools FAQs, answered by experts

Once you use a pH decreaser, you can expect the pH to adjust in two to four hours. If you use a strong chemical like muriatic acid, it could take as little as an hour. Either way, it’s best to wait for a full turnover cycle before retesting. You want to make sure the chemical is completely dissolved and evenly distributed or you won’t have a stable pH level.

Pool maintenance costs an average of $230 per service, with prices ranging from $50 to $750 per service, depending on several factors. The type of service will usually be the most significant cost factor, as opening and closing a pool takes a few hours and can total $400 or more, while regular cleanings could cost under $100. The size of your pool and the type of pool—above-ground, in-ground, saltwater—can also affect the price of maintenance.

The average pool size in gallons is 15,360. This number is for a 16’ x 32’ pool with a four-foot depth. However, many pools have different depths at each end or irregular sizes, so you may need to use the formulas above to calculate exactly how many gallons of water you need.

No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.

No, you shouldn’t be able to taste the salt at all since saltwater pools only contain about 10% of the salt you’d find in ocean water. Saltwater pools do create some chlorine, though, so you should still try not to drink the water.

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