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

A fiberglass pool lasts up to 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance. For the longest possible lifespan, keep your pool water pH as close to seven as possible. Test your water levels regularly, run your pool filter daily, and avoid draining the pool. Once your pool is 20 to 30 years old, you can prolong the lifespan by refinishing the shell.

Home inspectors only check swimming pools if they have expertise in that area. During a standard home inspection, they focus on the house’s structure, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and other components. If they examine your pool, they’ll check the pump and heater. If you want a thorough pool inspection, hire a pool inspection specialist.

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 not ideal, and if your pool’s pH is seriously low (below 7), swimming can be dangerous until you raise it, potentially causing severe irritation and damage to the skin and eyes.

Keep in mind that low pH can also be responsible for damaging the pool itself. Acidic water can contribute to the cracking of your pool's liner, which may cost up to $2,500 to replace, making this an expensive fix.