Best above ground pool installation pros near Plains, 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.

Yes, small pool leaks are fixable with waterproof patches and sealants. It is always best to avoid draining a pool if you can, since doing so safely takes time, patience, and a whole lot of water to refill it. Larger pool leaks may require draining, but in this case, it's best to call in a professional.

While you shouldn’t notice water that has an appropriate amount of chlorine in it (less than 4 parts per million), you could feel sick from drinking overly chlorinated water. Chlorine exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, coughing, and dizziness. Chronic chlorine exposure (meaning multiple or repeated instances) can make you feel like you have the flu, according to the CDC.

Shock can clear a cloudy pool if the problem is insufficient free chlorine or an accumulation of chloramines from “spent” chlorine. However, it can make the issue worse if a high level of chlorine or a pH imbalance is the root cause of the problem. Test your pool water before treating the cloudiness to ensure you’re making the right call.