Buying & Pricing
How much does an inground pool actually cost?
For a basic 16x32, you're looking at roughly $40K for vinyl, $45K for fiberglass, and $80K for gunite. That's before heaters, waterfalls, automation, Patio or landscaping — which can add another $15K–$25K.
If those numbers make your eyes water, there's a fourth option most people don't know about: burying a semi-inground pool for the inground look at $15K–$25K total.
How much does a Fox Ultimate pool cost?
Kit prices range from $7,120 (15' round) to $17,231 (20'x40' rectangle). A complete installed project with step, concrete collar, backfill, equipment, and patio typically runs around $55,000.
How much does it cost to bury a semi-inground pool yourself?
For a DIY installation with hired excavation, you're looking at $15,000–$25,000 total depending on size, patio work, and equipment choices.
How much does professional above ground pool installation cost?
For an oval pool (more complex than round), expect $3,500–$4,000 including everything except water, permits, electrical service, and debris removal. Round pools cost less. Figure a 24' round with excavation, installation, and setup with plumbing around $2,900.
For value shoppers paying attention — a 15x30 oval costs more to buy and build than a 24 round, but the 24 round is almost 100 sq ft bigger and holds 3,000 more gallons of water.
Why is your price so much lower?
No sales commissions. No corporate overhead. Family business to family business. The price is fair, so it doesn't need negotiating. We have less expensive pools and more expensive pools — we just don't mark them up the way the big dealers do.
Why are your fiberglass pool prices so much lower than other companies?
I own the excavation equipment. I don't have commissioned salespeople. I buy factory direct and sell the fiberglass pool near cost. I make money on the install.
Where are the savings actually coming from with semi-inground pools?
Fiberglass shells cost $15K–$40K plus $3K–$9K shipping, and you may need a crane. Vinyl inground pools require more labor, materials, and time. Don't get me started on all the concrete, rebar, labor, and time it takes to build a gunite pool.
I install most Aquasport 52 pools in one day. I also have to give credit to the manufacturer who could charge a lot more but doesn't.
What's really included when I buy a pool from MGK?
Usually the pool, pool liner, skimmer and shipping - unless discussed and we discover what you need. We offer full service and equipment and A la carte service. As much or as little as you need.
What's usually NOT included in estimate: electrical service, water, Patio, landscaping permits, and permit fees.
Can you still buy an above ground pool with a deck for under $12K?
Yes. We have round pool packages with a deck, fence, ladder, stairs, and locking gate with installation for under $9,000.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We work with several pool financing companies. We sell shells on our website with buy-now-pay-later options. Ask for details.
Do you offer service discounts and coupons?
Yes — for new customers and those who bundle services. Ask when we're booking your service.
How much does it cost to run an above ground pool?
With a variable speed pump running 22–24 hours/day at low speed, electricity runs roughly $30–$50/month. Chemicals run $40–$80/month during swim season. A new liner every 7–12 years costs $450–$1,800 depending on size and quality.
The biggest hidden cost is a single-speed pump — they use 5–8x more electricity than a variable speed pump at low speed.
Do you ship pools nationwide?
Yes. Shipping is free for most above ground pools and even the Fox Ultimate in our service area (MA, NH, CT, RI, Southern ME). Beyond NY and VA, the Fox Ultimate shipping typically runs $1,500+, and more for out west, while traditional above ground pools and the Aquasport 52 all ship for free (surcharge for western states). — call for a quote to your location.
Why are some companies charging gunite prices for vinyl pools?
It's a trend I've been seeing the last few years and it drives me nuts. Vinyl is the cheapest pool to build. If someone quotes you $70K–$80K for a vinyl liner pool, they're either padding the price or including a ton of extras. Always ask for an itemized quote. At those prices you should be looking at fiberglass or possibly gunite.
How much would a walk-around pool deck cost in wood or composite?
$20,000–$30,000. That's why the aluminum decks that come with the Admiral's Walk are such a good deal.
Choosing the Right Pool
Which is better — fiberglass, vinyl, or gunite?
If money is no object, gunite (cement) is the best inground pool you can build. Period. But fiberglass gives you 90% of the experience at roughly $30K less, installs in days instead of months, and the surface won't need resurfacing for 25+ years. Vinyl is the budget option — nothing wrong with it, but you're replacing the liner every 7–12 years.
I sell all three, so I have no agenda here.
Should I buy a Fox Ultimate or Aquasport 52?
If you want salt, the inground step, or a Grecian/Rectangle/Kidney shape — Fox Ultimate. If you want a round or oval without salt or the step — Aquasport 52 saves you $7,000–$10,000+ on kit and installation costs combined.
Is the extra cost of a real semi-inground pool really worth it?
First — if you don't hire a good installer, it doesn't matter what pool you buy. Second — all inground pools require a permit, and you won't get one without a pool that passes safety and engineering standards. Third — if you try to bury a regular above ground pool, you may regret it.
I tell people all the time: it's not the pool that looks good, it's the patio and landscaping. Spend less on the pool and you can get more of what actually matters.
Is there a cheaper way to get the inground pool look?
Yes. The Aquasport 52 and Fox Ultimate are engineered to be buried fully in the ground. With stone coping, a paver patio, and landscaping, the finished product looks identical to a traditional inground pool. Total cost runs $15K–$25K versus $40K–$150K for traditional inground.
What are the best above ground pool brands?
You want a wall made of USA steel, and only two American companies use high-grade US steel: Doughboy (just their most expensive models) and Buster Crabbe/Aquasport Pools LLC, who uses the best US steel across all models.
What is the best above ground pool for the money?
The Lamark with a steel wall. Starts at around $2,300 shipped, uses the same quality US steel as pools costing twice as much. If you can stretch your budget, the aluminum (LASA) upgrade adds $200–$400 and eliminates any rust concern for the life of the pool.
What is the best brand for above ground swimming pools?
Buster Crabbe / Aquasport Pools LLC offers the best products, dealers, and warranty. While customer service in the pool industry is pretty bad due to high demand during summer, they stand above all the rest.
Should I get a round or oval above ground pool?
Round pools give you more water per dollar, better circulation (fewer algae dead spots), easier maintenance, and lower installation cost. A 24' round is actually larger than a 15x30 oval by 55 square feet and holds 1,500 more gallons — while costing $2,100–$2,600 less total.
Ovals make sense if your yard won't fit a round pool or if you want a more "inground" look. Just know that ovals require buried straps or buttresses that can settle over time.
What is the most popular size above ground pool?
The 24' round, by far. It holds 13,594 gallons, has great water circulation, and costs $2,100–$2,600 less than a comparably-sized 15x30 oval when you factor in both the pool package and installation. The most popular oval is the 15x30.
How many years does an above ground pool last?
It depends entirely on the wall. The best above ground pools — Aquasport 52, Admiral's Walk, Fox Ultimate — will last 35+ years with proper care. Mid-range pools with quality US steel walls last 25–30 years if ice doesn't damage them. Cheap imported steel pools from big box stores last 3–5 years. Temporary Intex/Bestway pools last 1–3 seasons.
How long does each type of inground pool last?
Gunite pools can last 50+ years with proper maintenance, but the surface needs resurfacing every 9–12 years at $10K–$15K. Fiberglass shells last 25–30+ years with virtually no surface maintenance. Vinyl liner pools last as long as the structure holds up, but you're replacing the liner every 7–12 years at $3K–$5K installed.
Steel or aluminum wall — which is better?
Aluminum. It never rusts and our aluminum walls are twice as thick as steel walls. An aluminum wall pool with a quality liner will outlast you. Somebody will say "well doesn't it oxidize?" Yes Karen, but a lot slower than steel rusts.
What's the difference between beaded and overlap liners?
Beaded liners hook into a track (bead receiver) and provide a cleaner look. Overlap liners drape over the wall and are held by coping strips. J-hook liners hook on the top of the wall and are held in place with the top wall track.
What shapes are available in the Fox Ultimate?
Round, Oval, Grecian, Kidney and Rectangle. Only Round can be installed fully above ground with no cement collar up to 24x52. All other shapes must be buried minimum 18" below grade, and require a cement collar.
Does the Fox Ultimate have a deep end?
Standard water depth is 48" (4 feet) across the entire pool. We do not offer expandable liner/deep end options for Fox Ultimate pools.
What's a buttress-free oval?
Traditional ovals have "kick stands" (buttresses) extending from the straight sides. Buttress-free ovals (like our Atlas Yardmore design) don't need them — great for tight yards and cleaner aesthetics.
Are Doughboy pools good quality?
Yes. Doughboy makes excellent above-ground pools, particularly their high-end resin models like the Tuscany and Saratoga. They use thick extruded resin components and quality construction. They and my manufacturer are the two oldest, most trusted pool manufacturers in the country.
What pools are comparable to Doughboy?
The Atlas, Dauntless, and Aquasport 52 from Aquasport Pools LLC offer comparable or superior quality to Doughboy's premium models, with the same heavy-gauge construction and premium liners — often $1,000–$2,000+ less. Unlike Doughboy, these also offer aluminum wall options which last longer than steel.
Is there such a thing as a maintenance-free swimming pool?
Nope, and don't let anybody tell you there is. The closest you'll get without exceeding the cost of the pool is a good automatic cleaner and a sanitation system like ClearWater (controls pH) or the Oxygen Pools system.
What's the best above ground pool for cold climates?
The Aquasport 52 and Admiral's Walk handle freeze-thaw cycles better than anything else on the market. Their thick aluminum panel walls don't expand and contract the way thin materials do. I'm in Massachusetts — I've watched these pools go through 20+ New England winters without issue. Radiant pools with their foam-core walls have documented ice damage problems — I have the photos to prove it.
Will a semi-inground pool increase my home's value?
Let's be clear — a real semi-inground pool is not just a buried above ground pool. All pools are assets, and a pool will always cost more to buy in the future. The real question is: are people looking to raise a family in your neighborhood? If yes, great. If no, it's a toss-up.
About MGK Pools
Why buy factory direct from MGK?
Most dealers mark up fiberglass pools 30–50%. We cut out the middleman completely. No commissioned salespeople, no corporate overhead. You deal directly with the guy who installs your pool.
Who comes to my house?
Mike or Kenny, his lead builder. People who actually build pools, not salespeople working on commission.
Who actually makes Admiral's Walk?
Aquasport Pools LLC (formerly Buster Crabbe Pools) — America's oldest, most trusted pool manufacturer. Still family-owned. Still answering their own phones.
What about the warranty?
The Aquasport 52 is manufactured by Aquasport Pools LLC (formerly Buster Crabbe Pools) and is warranted for above ground, semi-inground, and full inground installation. Burying it is exactly what it's designed for. The manufacturer's family stands behind it, and I'm their New England expert.
The Fox Ultimate has a limited lifetime warranty on steel walls and panels, 25-year pro-rated on the liner. Warranty is transferable one time. Unlike Radiant, you don't need to keep the pool full year-round to maintain coverage.
Which has a better warranty — steel or aluminum?
I'll be straight with you — warranties in the pool industry are not worth the paper they're printed on. Most pool walls, both steel and aluminum, are pro-rated by 50% after just two years. That means after two years you pay 50% of the wall cost, all shipping, plus a new liner. None cover labor to rebuild.
While most pool builders offer a 1-year workmanship warranty, we offer 5 years. Why? Because I only sell and install good pools.
Do you install pools in New Hampshire?
Yes. We install pools throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire (Nashua, Salem, Derry, Londonderry), Eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southern Maine.
Installation
How long does it take to install an above ground pool?
With the right tools and help, I can build most pools in one day — or two 18' rounds in a day. For a first-timer doing DIY, budget 2–3 days including site prep.
How long does fiberglass pool installation take?
Most fiberglass pool installs are complete in 1-3 days or 2–4 weeks with patio and landscaping, weather permitting. I could easily say 2–3 days, but there are other factors like how the dig goes and other contractors' timelines (electricians). We do what we do best and are at the mercy of the other specialists' schedules.
How long does it take to install a fiberglass pool versus vinyl?
A fiberglass pool can be in the ground and swimming in about 1–2 days if permitting and weather are good (not counting patio). Vinyl inground pools typically take 1–3 weeks because you're literally building the pool on-site — panels, walls, floor, liner. Much quicker for the Aquasport 52 pool.
Bonus: only fiberglass pools can be installed when the sun isn't out or it's below 65–70 degrees. Those are the prerequisites for installing a vinyl liner.
Can I install an above ground pool myself?
A standard above ground pool on flat ground — yes, with a helper and a weekend. The most critical part is getting the ground perfectly level. I cannot stress this enough.
Semi-inground installations (Aquasport 52) are possible for handy homeowners too. We ship pools nationwide and I provide my personal cell number to every customer for installation support. (978) 710-8667 — I am the pool builder whisperer.
Can I install a pool by myself (solo)?
No. This is not a one-person job. You need at least two strong people, preferably three to five. You could build an Aquasport 52 with one helper, as it doesn't have the heavy floppy wall to deal with. I can build one myself as ive developed skills and techniques over the years.
Can I install a Fox Ultimate pool myself?
Fox sells DIY kits with installation manuals. However, this is a much more complex installation than a standard above ground pool. You'll need excavation equipment, experience pouring concrete, and a solid understanding of what you're doing. Most people hire professional installation. If you're up for it, I can assist within reason over the phone.
Can I install a fiberglass pool myself?
The shell requires professional delivery and crane or excavator placement — you're not muscling a 3,000-pound fiberglass shell into a hole by hand. However, if you're a licensed contractor or experienced excavator, I will work with you. But, to have the warranty from the manufacturer i have to be involved in the setting and backfilling and ground prep, most cases the dig too. that's it.
What if my yard isn't level?
You'll need to excavate to level the site. Come in from the low side and remove the high side. Don't build on soft fill dirt. If you prefer, you can build a retaining wall — build up the low side with 3/8 or 3/4 crushed stone and compact every 6–8 inches.
How much sand do I need?
For a 21' round or 12x24 oval, order 3–3.5 tons. For a 15x30 or 24' round, closer to 5 tons. You may have extra — spread it around the outside when done for drainage.
Do I need a permit for a pool?
In most municipalities, yes. You'll need a building permit and potentially a plot plan showing pool placement, setbacks from property lines, and fence/barrier location. Your electrician will pull a separate electrical permit. Most towns won't issue your pool permit until an electrician pulls his permit. We provide all the documentation you need.
What do I need to get a pool permit?
First, you'll need your plot plan with the pool drawn to scale where it's going (I can help with that). Second, you'll need an electrician — your permit won't be issued until an electrician pulls a permit. Third, you need a brochure or manual of the pool.
For inground pools you'll likely need an engineer or surveyor for the drawing, a fence plan, a dump location for excavated material, and the total cost of the project for the town building department.
What if I don't have a plot plan?
You'll need to get one — it outlines your property boundaries, which are required to assess setbacks. Contact the local surveyor that likely did the original, as they may have your property lines already. If you or your town doesn't have one on file, your mortgage company likely does.
Do you handle permits?
We try not to in most cases. We have our workers' compensation and liability insurance company send you and your town a certificate of insurance, plus a copy of my contractor's license number to check for complaints. My license is #191300 — I've never had a complaint filed against it.
What if we hit ledge during excavation?
We discuss ledge potential before you sign anything. If we hit rock, I own the hydraulic hammer — my ledge removal has never exceeded $15,000, while I've seen competitors charge $35–$55K or more.
Semi-Inground Pools
What counts as a "semi-inground" pool?
A semi-inground pool is a pool specifically engineered to be buried — partially or completely — in the ground. It's NOT a regular above ground pool someone decided to dig a hole for. That's a recipe for a collapsed wall and a very expensive mistake.
Real semi-inground pools have reinforced walls — thick interlocking aluminum panels or heavy-gauge steel panels — that can handle the pressure of earth pushing against them.
Can I really bury an above-ground pool?
Only the Aquasport 52 or Fox Ultimate, in my opinion. The interlocking panels are engineered for earth pressure. Try this with any other above-ground pool and it will collapse — I've seen it. Even with the highly touted Radiant Pool.
Can you bury a cheap rolled-wall pool?
Of course you CAN (I wouldn't). Doughboy has been doing it for years. Here's the catch — you have to backfill with a cement slurry once the pool is filled with water so the wall doesn't cave in down the road. Plus it adds thousands to the project. Do you really want to put $5K–$20K of patio and landscaping around a wall that cheap? Nowadays it's tough if not impossible to even get a permit for that type of install.
Can you bury a Doughboy pool?
I don't recommend it. Rolled-wall pools aren't engineered to hold back earth pressure. If you lose water, the walls can collapse inward. For semi-inground or fully buried installations, you need a pool like the Aquasport 52 or Fox Ultimate with walls engineered for burial.
How deep can I bury the Aquasport 52?
The Aquasport 52 can be installed completely inground (all 52 inches buried) or partially buried to any depth you choose. Your yard, your call. Do however pay attention to the prevailing grade, you never want to set a pool so low that water runs into it.
Do I need a concrete collar to bury the Aquasport 52?
No — and this is a huge advantage. Most competing semi-inground pools (Radiant, Optimum) require a concrete collar poured around the base. The Aquasport 52's interlocking aluminum panel construction is strong enough to backfill directly against.
Why does the Fox Ultimate cost so much more to install?
More labor, the pool cost more, plus the Fox Ultimate requires a cement collar poured around the entire bottom of the pool wall. A cement collar is required for all inground and semi-inground pools EXCEPT the Aquasport 52 — and that cement costs about $2K.
Will it look like a real inground pool when it's done?
Yes. With flush coping, paver or stone patio, and landscaping, there is no visual difference. The pool wall is completely hidden. Guests won't know unless you tell them.
Can I install a semi-inground pool on a slope or uneven yard?
Yes — that's one of the great benefits. You can save the cost of a retaining wall and fill to level the area, and invest it into a stronger pool. Plus you can make the top part near the house look like an inground pool without the inground price.
What about drainage on a sloped yard?
Water flows downhill. Your pool is now partially blocking that natural flow. If you don't plan for drainage, groundwater builds up behind the pool on the uphill side and causes hydrostatic pressure problems. The solution is a French drain on the uphill side — a perforated pipe in a gravel trench that intercepts groundwater and redirects it around the pool.
What should I use for backfill around a semi-inground pool?
If you're pouring a cement patio or using pavers, you have to use 3/8–3/4 crushed stone, same as any inground pool. If you use excavated material, it will settle and your patio will warp or crack. If you're building a deck, you can use whatever you want for backfill — just make sure the posts are on solid, undisturbed ground.
Do I need special equipment for a semi-inground installation?
You'll need an inground pump if the pump sits above the water line — above ground pumps are gravity fed, and inground pumps will lift water (self-prime).
How long does a buried Aquasport 52 last?
The aluminum panels don't rust or rot. With proper care and a liner replacement every 10–15 years, this pool will last as long as most traditional inground pools.
What happens when I need to replace the liner? Do I have to dig up the backfill?
No. The Aquasport 52 and Fox Ultimate use inground skimmers and returns, so just like inground pools, all you do is pull the face plates. Most above ground pools require you to remove the skimmer and return from the wall plus remove the top rails. Our models use metal bead receivers, so you can pour concrete or put coping stones over the top without worrying about liner changes.
Do I need a permit for a semi-inground pool?
Yes. In towns that are tough, I might apply for an above ground permit and just tell them you're going to bury it a few feet and that it's engineered for this. We leave the grade 8–12 inches below the top of the pool wall so patio contractors have room to build their base. Otherwise, check with your municipality or apply for an inground permit.
Do I need a fence around a semi-inground pool?
Yes. Building code requires a 48-inch barrier to entry. If your pool wall is not 48 inches above grade, you need to fence in the pool or the yard itself. If the yard is fenced, you may have to alarm back doors and windows.
How do I winterize a semi-inground pool?
Exactly the same as an inground pool. You have to remove all water from the plumbing and protect the skimmer just as you would an inground pool.
Why don't you sell Radiant or Optimum pools?
Read my Radiant reviews and see the pictures and videos I took. This is not opinion — it's firsthand experience. Plus, I would never insulate the walls of a house with no roof. Optimum is basically the same design with minor changes. Thin aluminum sheets around styrofoam with no mechanical anchoring. I can't recommend pools with this design.
Aquasport 52 vs. Radiant — which is better?
The Aquasport 52 is superior in nearly every category. It's all structural aluminum (no Styrofoam filler), doesn't require a cement collar, has a 30-year warranty backed by a financially healthy family-owned company, and costs less. I've documented Radiant ice damage failures. The only argument for Radiant is the insulated wall for heating — but most heat loss is through the water surface, not the walls.
Are Radiant Pools worth the money?
No. Based on 30 years of experience, I can't recommend them. You're paying premium prices for thin aluminum walls with no mechanical anchoring. The warranty looks good but doesn't protect you — even if they give you replacement panels, you pay for excavation, demolition, installation, a new liner, and refilling. Installation costs more because of the required cement collar.
How does Fox Ultimate compare to Radiant pools?
Fox Ultimate uses 14-gauge steel panels anchored with rebar into a concrete collar. Radiant uses thin aluminum sheets around styrofoam that sit in a collar without anchoring. I've replaced failed Radiant pools with Fox Ultimates.
Fiberglass Pools
Do fiberglass pools work in New England winters?
Absolutely. Fiberglass actually handles freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete because it flexes instead of cracking. I've been installing fiberglass pools in Massachusetts for 30 years without issues. The key is proper installation and backfill so the shell has room to move with the ground.
Do fiberglass pools use less chemicals?
No. If they do, it's so insignificant it doesn't move the needle. Chlorine usage doesn't care what the surface of the bowl is. What matters is bather load, acid rain, amount of sunshine, and CYA (cyanuric acid) level — CYA is sunscreen for chlorine.
Here's my theory on this myth: affiliate content creators stole the claim "30% less maintenance" and mistook it for chemicals. That, or propaganda from the fiberglass industry.
Can a fiberglass pool pop out of the ground?
Yes — same as a cement pool. If the groundwater is high and you drain your pool, it acts like a boat with the tide coming in. That's why all fiberglass pools are installed with a dry well. Don't drain your fiberglass or cement pool without first checking groundwater height.
Does your backyard qualify for a fiberglass pool?
Before you call any pool company in Massachusetts, you need to consider access for the truck and crane, yard slope and drainage, proximity to the house and property lines, underground utilities, and the ledge question nobody else wants to answer up front. Text "POOL SITE" to (978) 710-8667 and we'll walk through it with you.
Equipment & Accessories
What's the best pool filter?
DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters filter out the smallest particles. Then cartridge, then sand filters come in last. For above ground pools, I recommend the Hayward XStream 150 cartridge filter paired with a 2-speed or variable speed pump. The slower you move pool water, the easier it is for your filter to clean the water.
Can I use an above ground filter on an inground pool?
Yes, but only if you have a variable speed pump. Inground filters are designed for pumps moving 80 gallons a minute. Above ground filters handle 30 gallons a minute. Cut the speed way down on the pump and you can use the above ground filter.
Is DE powder dangerous?
Only if you breathe it in dry — the fine particles can irritate your lungs, similar to any fine dust. Wear a dust mask when adding it to the filter, don't do it on a windy day, and you're fine. Once mixed with water inside the filter, it's completely harmless.
What size pump and filter do I need?
Bigger is better for filters. Most pool packages come with undersized equipment to hit a lower price point. I've never seen an above ground pool that needed more than 1.5 HP — often .75 or 1HP do fine. For a 24' round, I recommend a 150 sq ft cartridge filter or an EC50 DE filter paired with a variable speed pump.
Can I add a heater to an above ground pool?
Yes, you can add a heater or heat pump to any above ground swimming pool.
Can I use salt with a metal wall pool?
I wouldn't use a salt system on any metal wall pool except the Fox Ultimate. There is no escaping the fact that salt is aggressive towards all metals. The Fox Ultimate's ZAM coating is designed to handle salt. The Aquasport 52 and other metal wall pools void their warranty with salt.
If salt is corrosive, why do other pool stores sell salt water pools?
Because they don't care about you — they care about sales. What most people don't realize is that the "50-60 year" or "lifetime" warranty covers just manufacturer defects, and the wall portion is prorated 50% after just two years. That means after two years you could be on the hook for half the cost of the wall, a new liner, tearing apart the old pool, and basically rebuilding.
Aquasport Pools could have easily joined the salt water bandwagon to sell pools, but chose to lose sales rather than compromise their integrity.
What do you recommend instead of salt?
The Oxygen Pools system. We sell them below retail when you buy a pool kit from us. It is without a doubt the most elegant solution to water treatment. For those with bigger budgets I recommend the full clearwater package.
Are the decks that come with above ground pools sturdy?
The Admiral's Walk deck is 100% aluminum, comes in just four sections, all welded at the factory. They are super strong.
Is chlorine bad for dogs?
No. Chlorinated pool water is as safe for your dog as it is for you. While you don't want to encourage them to drink pool water, it's fine for swimming. Watch closely when first exposed in case of allergies, and always rinse your pet before and after swimming — especially before if you're sharing the pool.
Pool Care & Maintenance
When should I open my pool in Massachusetts?
Most New England pool owners open between late April and mid-May. The key is water temperature — once it's consistently above 60°F, algae starts growing whether you're ready or not. Don't wait until Memorial Day weekend. By then, every pool company is slammed, and if your pool sat too long, you're looking at a green mess that costs more to fix.
How much does it cost to open a pool in Massachusetts?
Above-ground pools: $175. Inground pools: $275. If you have a mesh safety cover, add $175 for our vacuum service (highly recommended). Prices include opening chemicals.
What's included in a pool opening service?
We remove and store your cover, de-winterize your pump and filter, remove winter plugs, install skimmer baskets and return fittings, reinstall ladders and rails, super-shock the pool, and add algaecide.
Do I need to vacuum my pool when I open it?
If you have a mesh safety cover — yes, highly recommended. Mesh lets sunlight and debris through all winter, which means algae and sediment on the bottom. Our vacuum service pumps that straight out so your filter doesn't get overwhelmed. Solid cover? Usually not needed if the pool was closed properly.
How long until my pool is ready to swim after opening?
With our vacuum service, most pools are swim-ready in 1–2 days. Without vacuum service, it depends on how dirty the water is — could be a few days to a week for the filter to clear it. Sand filters take longer.
How do I clean a green pool fast?
I use a dense concentrated copper-based algaecide in pools with liners (provided the pool doesn't already have high metals), and regular polyquat in cement pools. Make sure the pH is below 7.8. Then run your filter around the clock and clean it frequently until the water clears.
What is the best filter to clean a green pool fast?
DE (diatomaceous earth) filters. They filter out the smallest particles, and once you clean a DE filter and add fresh DE powder, it's like brand new again. A cartridge filter will never be like new again, and sand loses the sharp edges that grab dirt every hour it's running.
Can I swim in a green pool?
As long as you can see the bottom of the pool and the water is balanced, yes.
How often should I clean my pool filter?
It's not a calendar event. Clean your filter when the pressure gauge reads 8–10 psi higher than just after you clean it well. Every pool is different. The pressure gauge is your filter talking to you — listen to it. If you notice the return flow weakening, that's another sign.
How many hours a day should I run my pool filter?
Long enough to turn your entire water volume over at least once. For most above ground pools, that's 8 hours at high speed. But here's the better answer: if you have a variable speed or two-speed pump, run it 22–24 hours a day at low speed. You'll use less electricity than 8 hours at full blast, and your filter will do a much better job because slow water is easier to clean.
Why does my pool filter get dirty so fast?
You may have an undersized filter, your media (sand or cartridge element) may need replacing, or you're asking it to do what it isn't designed for. If your pool cover falls in with a lot of debris or you have a massive algae bloom, you need to leaf rake or vacuum to waste the heavy stuff before turning on your filter.
Can I damage my pool filter by cleaning it too much?
Absolutely. Cartridge filters are the easiest to damage, especially with a pressure washer — I don't recommend more than normal garden hose pressure. Sand filters actually work better as they age. While pressure rises, the narrowing paths mean better filtering.
Does clarifier damage pool filters?
Yes, every filter type. If you're using clarifier, something has gone horribly wrong. With sand filters it creates channeling — water passes through unfiltered. With DE and cartridge filters, it permanently reduces interior filter area. That's like downsizing your filter.
If your sand filter is filtering too slowly, add a pound of DE to it instead of clarifier.
How do I maintain a steel wall pool to prevent rust?
First, understand that all manufacturers coat and paint their pool walls, then knock out openings for the skimmer and return — exposing raw metal. Get some enamel paint (fingernail polish)and seal those raw edges. Keep water chemistry balanced (pH 7.2–7.6, alkalinity 80–120 ppm). Don't let water sit against the outside wall. Keep landscaping away from the base. Touch up exterior scratches immediately. If you read the owner's manual (which nobody does), they recommend waxing your pool wall every year like a new car.
Repairs & Winter Damage
Can a buckled above ground pool wall be repaired?
No. Once an above ground pool wall buckles, it loses height and structural integrity. If there's more than a 1-inch gap between the top of the wall and the top rails, the wall cannot be repaired. In most cases, replacing the whole pool makes more financial sense than buying parts separately.
What causes above ground pool walls to buckle in winter?
A leaking pool liner is the #1 cause. Ice forms on top of the water, then water leaks out from underneath. The massive weight of the ice (often 18+ inches thick) transfers to the top rails and wall posts, which aren't designed to carry that load. The wall buckles or rolls up at the bottom. If you ever suspect a leak during winter, remove the pool cover immediately.
My wall buckled when filling — what do I do?
Don't panic. Pump out water until the buckles relax, then wait for warm sunny weather before refilling. The buckles will come out as the liner warms and stretches.
Can I repair a torn pool wall near the skimmer?
Yes — this is one repair that can work. A stainless steel repair panel (about 5 feet wide, 52 inches tall) can be installed over the damaged section. You'll also need a new liner, new skimmer, gaskets, and hardware. If the damage extends beyond the skimmer area or the wall is buckled, full replacement is the better option. Contact me for a kit.
Why did my pool liner shatter or get cut during winter?
When water leaks out from under the ice, the ice cake collapses onto the cold, brittle liner. Giant ice blocks can shatter vinyl completely. You may also see "guillotine cuts" around the edges — caused by sheets of ice slicing through the liner as the ice dropped. Both situations require a new liner at minimum.
How much does it cost to repair a pool main drain leak?
Main drain leak repair typically costs $500–$1,500 for straightforward repairs. Professional leak detection runs $100–$500 additional. If the leak is under concrete or requires extensive excavation, costs can reach $2,000–$4,000. Full main drain replacement (worst case) ranges from $4,000–$8,000.
Can I repair a pool main drain leak myself?
Diagnosing the leak (pressure testing) should be left to pros — pressurized pool plumbing can cause serious injury. But once located, the pipe repair is often a manageable DIY project if you're comfortable with PVC plumbing. Cut out the damaged section and glue in new schedule 40 PVC fittings. If it's under concrete or in a difficult spot, call a pro. Or plug it and buy a nice automatic pool cleaner.
Pool Pumps — Repair & Replace
Is it worth repairing a pool pump?
Above ground pumps: only if it's a pump seal, cracked lid, or lid O-ring. Inground pumps: if the housing is cracked and the motor is old, not worth it. If it's a one-speed energy hog, replace it if you can afford it. Otherwise, repairing the seal or replacing the motor is way cheaper than a full replacement.
How much does a pool pump cost to repair?
Pump seal leak — DIY: $15–$35. Bring pump in: $75–$150. Service at home: $225–$350. New motor — DIY: $200–$400. Service at home: $225–$400 plus motor. Full pump replacement: above ground $185–$600, inground $350–$3,000 (variable speed costs more but saves 87.5% on electricity).
Bonding & Electrical
Why do you have to bond a swimming pool?
Bonding is a safety measure to prevent electrocution. You create a field around your pool by attaching bonding wire to the metal deck, pool equipment, metal pool wall, and even the water. This prevents anyone around or in the pool from reaching a different electrical potential. It's the law — NEC 680.26 requires it for all permanent pools. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 33 electrocution deaths in pools and spas between 2002–2018, many caused by improper bonding.
Do I need to drive a grounding rod to bond a pool?
No — that's the old method. Now you start at the electrical service with #8 bare copper wire and do a continuous loop around the pool 12–18 inches from the wall, touching it in 4 spots, touching the water bonding plate, and touching the pump. Bury it 6–8 inches and return to where you started to close the loop. This ties into the home electrical panel which already has a grounding rod.
How much does it cost to bond a pool?
Recent quotes from electricians I know (December 2025): above ground pools $1,250–$1,500, inground pools $2,500–$4,000. This does not include power service, just bonding. We sell a DIY pool bonding kit pre-sized for your pool that you can install in about an hour for around $219.
Do all inground pools require bonding?
Yes — NEC 680.26 requires equipotential bonding on every pool, no exceptions. All metal within five feet of the water must be connected with #8 solid bare copper wire. We sell inground pool bonding kits pre-sized for your pool that can save you $500–$2,000 compared to having an electrician source everything from scratch.
Still Have Questions?
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Existing or potential customers can Call or text Mike:
MGK Pools Inc · Winchendon, MA · MA Contractor License #191300