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>

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 Columbus, MT

Q: Can you put a pool on grass?

• <div><p>It is generally not recommended to place a pool directly on grass. Doing so will kill the grass underneath, and the surrounding lawn may also be damaged by heavy foot traffic and splashes of chemically-treated water. For best results, create a clean, level surface by removing the grass and debris. You can then install a sturdier base using materials like sand, a concrete pad, or solid foam.</p></div>

Q: How do you drain a pool without it popping?

• <div><p>Avoid the dreaded pool pop by only draining your pool during dry, temperate times of the year. If there is too much moisture or the threat of ice in the ground surrounding your pool, the pressure could disrupt the stability of your pool's floors and walls. Additionally, always open the hydrostatic drains in an inground pool toward the end of the design process.</p></div>

Q: What are the proper chemical levels for a pool?

• <div><p>Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pool-maintenance-101.htm">pool maintenance 101 guide</a>.</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>

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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

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.

It is generally not recommended to place a pool directly on grass. Doing so will kill the grass underneath, and the surrounding lawn may also be damaged by heavy foot traffic and splashes of chemically-treated water. For best results, create a clean, level surface by removing the grass and debris. You can then install a sturdier base using materials like sand, a concrete pad, or solid foam.

Avoid the dreaded pool pop by only draining your pool during dry, temperate times of the year. If there is too much moisture or the threat of ice in the ground surrounding your pool, the pressure could disrupt the stability of your pool's floors and walls. Additionally, always open the hydrostatic drains in an inground pool toward the end of the design process.

Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our pool maintenance 101 guide.

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.

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