Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Valier, 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.

In most states, it is a legal requirement to have a fence around your pool to protect both swimmers and pool owners. These laws can vary by state, city, and county, so you must research the specific regulations in your area before installation. The rules may also differ for inground versus above-ground pools, with inground pools typically requiring a full fence. Additionally, most homeowners' insurance providers will require a fence around a residential pool before providing coverage. As a general rule, it's always best to have a fence for everyone's safety.

No, according to the CDC, animals do not usually pose health risks to swimmers, even if one dies. If a pool is maintained well, chlorine should kill any germs left by an animal within minutes. That said, homeowners should remove the animal as soon as possible and clean and disinfect the pool afterward.

Gunite pools are not exactly easy to maintain—but we wouldn't call them "high maintenance." It's one of the longest-lasting pool options, but its porous surface does require a lot of care. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the pool often to prevent stubborn algae growth, and the pool will require higher chemical levels to keep it clean.