How is installing an above-ground pool different from installing an in-ground pool?

• <div><p>There are pros and cons of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/above-ground-pool-vs-ground-pool.htm">in-ground vs. above-ground pools</a>, which you should consider when choosing the pool of your summertime dreams. Some factors to think about include: </p><ul><li><p>Above-ground pools are semi-permanent and movable, whereas in-ground pools are permanent structures.</p></li><li><p>In-ground pools are more expensive to install than above-ground pools. </p></li><li><p>It takes one to three days to install above-ground pools and several weeks for an in-ground pool install.</p></li><li><p>You can install an above-ground pool in smaller yards, but you need plenty of space for an in-ground pool.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What factors should I consider before installing a swimming pool?

• <div><p>Before deciding to install a swimming pool in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Even if you still need to figure out the specifics with your pool installer, having an idea of what you'd like will help the initial consultation. Some topics to consider include:</p><ul><li><p>Will you use salt water for your pool or traditional hose water?</p></li><li><p>How big of a pool do you want to install? How deep?</p></li><li><p>What special zoning laws do you need to follow for your area?</p></li><li><p>Do you want to keep it simple or add special features like underwater lighting and waterfalls?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Should I brush a pool before shocking?

• <div><p>It is a good idea to brush a pool before shocking. Brushing the sides and floor loosen up anything that is growing on the surface, such as algae. It is then easier for the pool shock to kill the contaminants because more of it will come in contact with the chemicals.</p></div>

Q: Can an aboveground pool stand without water?

• <div><p>Your aboveground pool might technically be able to stand without water, but you shouldn't consider it stable. Aboveground pools need the weight of water to provide adequate stability and prevent the walls from collapsing in. Be sure to fill your pool with water as soon as possible after installation.</p></div>

Q: How do you fill an unwanted in-ground pool?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-fill-swimming-pool.htm">steps to fill a swimming pool</a> will depend on your local building codes. However, it starts with draining the pool of all water using a submersible pump. Then your pro will lift the pool shell from the ground or break it into pieces for individual removal. The next step is filling the cavity with dirt and gravel and topping it with topsoil. Once a structural engineer deems the site safe, landscaping can start.</p></div>

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

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Whitefish, 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 Whitefish, 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 June 10, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Opportunity Construction will always be my #1 company to go to for my fencing needs. Here's the reason why. First, from start to finish, Dean Currow was very knowledgeable about installation of fencing. He displayed great customer service, professionalism, attention to details, and was so easy...
Opportunity Construction
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Reviewed in December 2024
Rockstar Pools installed an in ground swimming pool and hot tub for us. They did an excellent job! Extremely happy with their service. I would highly recommend this business.
Rockstar Pools LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Ransom installed a deer fence around my garden, and it's exactly what I wanted and need. Pleased with the work, as well as the timing, as I've got my garden protected early enough to harvest before the deer do!
Ransom
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Reviewed in June 2023
Working with NW Gutter Guards and especially Andrew was a dream. Carson and team are responsive and do what they say they are going to do. Andrew came and gave an estimate, did the work from start to finish. He communicated well and was a professional and wonderful person to work with. I love...
NW Gutter Guards, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
RBA has wonderful installers - very professional, courteous and efficient. In addition, they left our home spotless. We had several windows installed and our home is now soundproof to outside traffic and is warmer this winter. The view outside is much clearer as well. We highly recommend RBA.
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in November 2022
Great communication skills and a quick turnaround from the point they measured to the point of installation!
Montana Stone Fabricators, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2021
During the recent heatwave, we had no cool air. We left a voicemail with Adam and within 24 hours, we had cool air. He also repaired a few problems that have been present since installation. Adam is very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. We would highly recommend him to anyone.
Grizzly Air
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Reviewed in February 2021
I have known Jeff Otto with Otto’s Remodeling for more than 20 years. Jeff has completed renovation projects on each of the four (4) homes I have owned. I value Jeff as a master craftsman…an insightful artist at his skill. He offers a plethora of knowledge in an overwhelming variety of areas. He...
Otto's Remodeling and Tenant Finish
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Reviewed in January 2021
Total bathroom remodeling, Entire rebuild of our outside deck, from the ground up. Refinished our hickory floors. Reformed the lower lever and bathroom and bedroom to accommodate a washer and dryer, which involved major plumbing. A lot of interior and exterior painting and roofing work....
Latigo Creek Construction
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Reviewed in August 2020
Outstanding customer service!! Five stars for responsiveness and going above and beyond to ensure we had hot water when our hot water heater kicked the bucket. I was blown away when another plumber in town could not get to us for 2 weeks and Charlie with In-Sink was at our house the day we...
In-sink Quality Plumbing and Heating, Inc
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Find Above ground pool installation pros in Whitefish

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Whitefish, 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(

5,688

)

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Whitefish, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Called AHS....who sent service request to AAA Flexible Pipe. Adam came out quickly and installed new pump just before HEAVY rains hit...Fast and efficient service from AHS and AAA FLEXIBLE PIPE CLEANING."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Above Ground Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service

Serving Whitefish, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Job was done. Had to go back in after and fix several leaks but didnt contact plumber to have him fix them"

+25

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Install Above Ground Pools questions, answered by experts

It is a good idea to brush a pool before shocking. Brushing the sides and floor loosen up anything that is growing on the surface, such as algae. It is then easier for the pool shock to kill the contaminants because more of it will come in contact with the chemicals.

Your aboveground pool might technically be able to stand without water, but you shouldn't consider it stable. Aboveground pools need the weight of water to provide adequate stability and prevent the walls from collapsing in. Be sure to fill your pool with water as soon as possible after installation.

There are pros and cons of in-ground vs. above-ground pools, which you should consider when choosing the pool of your summertime dreams. Some factors to think about include:

Above-ground pools are semi-permanent and movable, whereas in-ground pools are permanent structures.
In-ground pools are more expensive to install than above-ground pools.
It takes one to three days to install above-ground pools and several weeks for an in-ground pool install.
You can install an above-ground pool in smaller yards, but you need plenty of space for an in-ground pool.

Before deciding to install a swimming pool in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Even if you still need to figure out the specifics with your pool installer, having an idea of what you'd like will help the initial consultation. Some topics to consider include:

Will you use salt water for your pool or traditional hose water?
How big of a pool do you want to install? How deep?
What special zoning laws do you need to follow for your area?
Do you want to keep it simple or add special features like underwater lighting and waterfalls?

The steps to fill a swimming pool will depend on your local building codes. However, it starts with draining the pool of all water using a submersible pump. Then your pro will lift the pool shell from the ground or break it into pieces for individual removal. The next step is filling the cavity with dirt and gravel and topping it with topsoil. Once a structural engineer deems the site safe, landscaping can start.

The Whitefish, MT homeowners’ guide to above ground pool installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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