How long does it take to install an inground pool?

• <div><p>The total time to install an inground pool typically ranges from 8 weeks to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by several factors, including permitting, site preparation, and the construction process itself.</p><p>Key phases and their typical durations include:</p><ul><li><p><b>Permits:</b> Obtaining necessary permits can take anywhere from two to six weeks.</p></li><li><p><b>Excavation and Site Preparation:</b> This phase takes about a week but can be extended by problematic soil, unexpected ground conditions, or the need to move underground utility lines.</p></li><li><p><b>Construction:</b> The actual build, including plumbing and electrical work, often takes one to two months. The pool material is a major factor here; a concrete pool needs about 30 days to cure, while installing a fiberglass or vinyl liner is much faster.</p></li></ul><p>External factors can also cause significant delays:</p><ul><li><p><b>Contractor Availability:</b> Spring and summer are busy seasons, and high demand can lead to long waitlists, potentially adding months to your start date. It is often recommended to start planning and getting estimates up to a year in advance.</p></li><li><p><b>Other Delays:</b> Weather, material shortages, complex designs, and other unforeseen challenges can extend the project timeline.</p></li></ul></div>

How far off can a pool be unlevel?

• <div><p>An aboveground pool should be level within 1 inch—and it starts to become unsafe after a couple of inches. Any slope will lead to an uneven distribution of water, which will put pressure on your pool’s structure, wearing down the pool liner. In certain cases, it could cause your pool to collapse. Even if you’re within a safe window, you may still notice that the water level is uneven.</p></div>

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Q: What type of pool lasts the longest?

• <div><p>Fiberglass pools last the longest because they need the least amount of maintenance and do not have liners that can affect a pool's integrity. Concrete pools last the longest, next to fiberglass.</p></div>

Q: How far off can a pool be unlevel?

• <div><p>An aboveground pool should be level within 1 inch&mdash;and it starts to become unsafe after a couple of inches. Any slope will lead to an uneven distribution of water, which will put pressure on your pool&rsquo;s structure, wearing down the pool liner. In certain cases, it could cause your pool to collapse. Even if you&rsquo;re within a safe window, you may still notice that the water level is uneven.</p></div>

Q: What month should I open my pool?

• <div><p>In most cases, late May or early June are the most popular times to open a pool, depending on your location. It&rsquo;s a good idea to open your pool when the outdoor temperature sits consistently above 65 to 70 degrees (F). At this point, algae will begin to flourish in your water, so opening the pool and adding the proper chemicals will <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-remove-algae-from-pool.htm">avoid excessive pool algae</a> growth.</p></div>

Q: How much water should a pool lose a day?

• <div><p>Your pool should only lose around 1/4 of an inch of water per day, give or take. More wind, sunlight, and heat will cause this number to increase, while rainy or cloudy days will decrease the amount of water that evaporates.</p></div>

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

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Darby, 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 Darby, 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 January 12, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Hello! I am a contractor in the Bitterroot Valley specializing in residential framing and exterior timber work. I have worked with Lasting Decks for a while now, and have been impressed with their quality and professional workmanship. Their friendly and knowledgeable personnel have been very...
Lasting Decks LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
These guys are great and I will never use anyone else for roofing needs. I have dealt with a lot of different contractors over the years but hands-down Double L Roofing is the best. Very professional, superb quality, great price, courteous, reliable and polite. Thank you Double L Roofing team!
Double L Roofing, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2024
Luke maintains the cleanest and most organized job site I've ever seen! Hardworking, honest, go-getter who does meticulous work.
Built Right Construction
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Reviewed in May 2024
Walter was very thorough, explained what he found. I would recommend him for your home inspections.
WTB General Contractor & Home Inspector LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
The team was punctual, professional and friendly. They not only fixed the problem, but took photos of the finished project. They communicated the expectations and procedure through the whole process. We will definitely use for our next project. They kept the work area clean as they went.
Mountain Air Roofing And Coating, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Lotus Painted performed better than expected, with a focus on detail that was beyond my requirements. I am very pleased.
Lotus Painting LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Great communication from start to finish. Move was from Oregon to Hamilton MT. Tanner and his crew did a great job of loading. Sergio was our truck driver and managed the unloading. He actually unloaded almost half of the truck load as he waited for the local labor to arrive and help with the...
PDX Movers, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2017
Trevor was always on time,did over and above what was first discussed. Price for the work was very reasonable and Quality was fabulous. Trevor will be my first call on my next project.
TNG Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2016
Prompt, courteous, and most importantly Kevin takes great pride in his work. A true professional.
Porter's Solar Panel Cleaning, Etc.
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Reviewed in April 2014
This has been the worst business experience we have ever had. Owners have been deceptive, dishonest, and unscrupulous. Charges have been inflated several times. "Overhead and profit" were added to the final bill, which were not on previous invoices.Workers attempted to install flooring without...
All Valley Flooring
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Find Above ground pool installation pros in Darby

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Darby, 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 Darby, 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 questions, answered by experts

The total time to install an inground pool typically ranges from 8 weeks to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by several factors, including permitting, site preparation, and the construction process itself.

Key phases and their typical durations include:

Permits: Obtaining necessary permits can take anywhere from two to six weeks.
Excavation and Site Preparation: This phase takes about a week but can be extended by problematic soil, unexpected ground conditions, or the need to move underground utility lines.
Construction: The actual build, including plumbing and electrical work, often takes one to two months. The pool material is a major factor here; a concrete pool needs about 30 days to cure, while installing a fiberglass or vinyl liner is much faster.

External factors can also cause significant delays:

Contractor Availability: Spring and summer are busy seasons, and high demand can lead to long waitlists, potentially adding months to your start date. It is often recommended to start planning and getting estimates up to a year in advance.
Other Delays: Weather, material shortages, complex designs, and other unforeseen challenges can extend the project timeline.

Fiberglass pools last the longest because they need the least amount of maintenance and do not have liners that can affect a pool's integrity. Concrete pools last the longest, next to fiberglass.

An aboveground pool should be level within 1 inch—and it starts to become unsafe after a couple of inches. Any slope will lead to an uneven distribution of water, which will put pressure on your pool’s structure, wearing down the pool liner. In certain cases, it could cause your pool to collapse. Even if you’re within a safe window, you may still notice that the water level is uneven.

In most cases, late May or early June are the most popular times to open a pool, depending on your location. It’s a good idea to open your pool when the outdoor temperature sits consistently above 65 to 70 degrees (F). At this point, algae will begin to flourish in your water, so opening the pool and adding the proper chemicals will avoid excessive pool algae growth.

Your pool should only lose around 1/4 of an inch of water per day, give or take. More wind, sunlight, and heat will cause this number to increase, while rainy or cloudy days will decrease the amount of water that evaporates.

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