Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Forsyth, MT

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.

It’s okay to leave a pool pump on 24-7. In fact, running it continuously has big upsides, including consistently distributing chemicals, keeping a steady pool temperature, preventing algae growth, and keeping pool water clean. However, there is a tradeoff—operating a pool pump around the clock increases energy costs and can take a toll on the pump’s longevity. If you want to run your pool pump all the time, invest in energy-saving equipment like a variable-speed pump.

Generally, you do not need to drain your pool to convert it to a saltwater system. The main exception is if you have used an antibacterial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide to sanitize your pool, as these sanitation products do not mix well with saltwater systems. If this is the case, you will need to start fresh. You can either drain the pool or treat the existing water with a high dose of chlorine to remove the antibacterial agent. If you choose the chlorine treatment, wait several days to allow the chlorine to work before proceeding with the conversion. If you are unsure whether this applies to your pool, consult a pool technician.

Yes, some pool designs do not have coping. However, most designers will extend the decking beyond the water's edge to keep water inside the pool and lower potential pool repair costs in the future. A pool without coping may look more seamless but can raise the risk of slipping and make it trickier to get in and out of the pool.