How to properly start-up your new plaster swimming pool or spa

One of the final steps in building a custom in-ground swimming pool is to plaster the floor, walls, benches, and stairs.  This plaster takes a rough, concrete shell, and turns it into a finished masterpiece.  Your swimming pool plaster is what seals the water in, and provides a smooth surface to walk, play, relax, and enjoy. 

The first 30 days after pool plaster application are the most important

The first 30 days after plaster application are critical in the longevity you will expect out of your plaster.  With costs of new plaster currently ranging from $7,000 upwards of $25,000, keeping your plaster looking nice, and well-maintained can result in huge savings. By balancing your chemicals and following this start-up guide, you can prevent many of the problems that arise. Issues such as staining, discolorations, calcium scaling, and plaster deterioration can be totally avoided.

This guide is a reference only, refer to your manufacturer’s specifications for your plaster type to avoid voiding your warranty

This guide is strictly an overview of general start-up procedures for newly plastered swimming pools.  This guide is not designed to replace your manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to follow your specific manufacturer’s start-up and ongoing maintenance procedures may result in premature failure and the voiding of your warranty.  Splash Doctor is not responsible for any failure or problems that might arise from following this guide in place of your manufacturer, or pool builder’s specific instructions.

Page Navigation

1. Plaster Do’s and DO NOT’s
2. Prior to plaster application
3. Manufacturer’s Instructions
4. Swimming pool initial fill up
5. Test pool water
6. Brush plaster surfaces
7. Circulate water
8. Clean or backwash filters
9. When can we swim?
10. When to run a pool heater
11. Water chemical level ranges
12. Adding Acid
13. Color problems
14. Sequestering agents
15. When should we add Chlorine?
16. Start-up Checklist

Do’s and DO NOT’s of pool plaster start-up

Prior to the plaster application

Test fill water

Because you will be filling the swimming pool immediately after the plaster is finished, it is important to know what the chemical makeup of your fill water is.  Take a sample from your hose, and perform all the same tests you will be performing on your pool water.

All water is different and the chemical levels in your fill water may impact how you start up the pool. Knowing your fill water pH, total alkalinity, metals, calcium hardness, salt level, and more can help know how to best begin your swimming pool maintenance process.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific plaster type

All plaster applications finish in a similar way.  There are small differences that can be important in your start-up process.  If you have Pebbletec, quartz, cement plaster, or any other type, we always recommend reading the specific start-up process for your plaster type from the manufacturer. This guide will provide a general overview but may not be all-encompassing. 

Immediately after pool plaster application

Fill up the swimming pool immediately after the plaster company is done with the finish

After the plaster is installed you will see your pool builder begin to fill up the pool with water.  Make sure the swimming pool builder uses a rag wrapped around the end of a garden hose to start filling in the deep end.  Your plaster is still extremely soft and can be scuffed, marked, and deformed quite easily.  If you just allow water to hit the new plaster directly, the pressure from the end of the hose can actually cause imperfections to form that will remain with the plaster for its life. 

Use a fire hydrant and hose to fill the pool faster

After you the pool is filled a foot or two, it is time to start filling it up quicker.  Usually, your pool builder will hook up a water meter to your fire hydrant.  This allows them to use a 2-inch fire hose and fill up the pool quickly.

Do not partially fill or stop filling the swimming pool once you have started

It is important that once you start filling the pool, you do not stop until it is completely full.  Stopping in the middle of filling causes the plaster to be watermarked at the stop point and is very difficult to remove.  Make sure the fire hose has the same protections on the end to ensure it does not scuff the new plaster surface.  

Begin the start-up process

After your pool builder fills the pool, the next 28 days are crucial.  You MUST test the water daily and ensure your levels remain within limits.  Failure to do so will result in discolorations and a blotchy appearance.  In worst case examples, it can cause premature failure of the plaster.  We recommend testing for ph, TA, calcium hardness, CYA, and free chlorine and find your LSI. 

Testing properly requires a good test kit.

At Splash Doctor we recommend the TF-100(with salt if you have a SWG) for all your testing needs.  If you would like to order this kit you can do so from Tftestkits.net at this link.  Directions and videos for performing each test are found online.

Brush all plaster surfaces 2-3 times per day

During the first 28 days, your new plaster is curing.  It is important to brush your pool many times over this period to help even out and smooth the plaster.  Even the best plaster tradesman is not perfect.  Brushing the pool helps even out these imperfections and provides a quality finished product. 

We recommend using a few different types of brushes.  The main brush we use is a nylon brush with a wall whale attached.  This useful tool is designed to keep the brush bristles against the walls and floor of the pool much easier than traditional brushes.  We have used the 18” as well as the larger 36” brushes and both work well.  If you are more budget concise we recommend the sweep ease brush.  This brush does a good job as well and is an upgrade to the starter brush that probably came with your pool.

We also recommend having a small brush to get in corners and on stairs. Something like this pool corner brush from amazon works very well.

Avoid using wheeled and robotic vacuum cleaners for the first 30 days

DO NOT use any wheeled vacuum cleaners or robotic vacuums for the first 28 days.  To aid in plaster dust removal, a brush vacuum can be used carefully to remove excess dust. To find a good vacuum head that will not scratch or mar your surface, we recommend finding a vacuum that is used on vinyl liner pools.  Do not spend that much on this item as it will only be useful for the first 30 days. After the start-up period, we recommend either a Kreepy Krawly or a robotic vacuum like the Pentair 920.

If you would like to hire a pool service company to provide the daily testing, brushing, and balancing of your new swimming pool contact Splash Doctor today for a FREE estimate.

Circulate the water in your swimming pool or spa

After your swimming pool is filled, there will be large amounts of plaster dust in the water during the curing process.  This occurs naturally as well as through brushing.  It is important to clear this dust out of the water as quickly as possible.  This usually takes 7-10 days.  We recommend keeping your pool and spa pumps running constantly until you no longer see plaster dust while brushing.

Clean or backwash filters

With all the plaster dust being sucked into your filter, it is important to monitor filter pressure to ensure you keep your filter running properly.  Once your filter pressure increases 10% above your starting pressure, it is time to clean or backwash your filter.  Please refer to our how-to guide to clean your filter.

Wait to swim

Now that you have new plaster, and the pool looks finished, it is tempting to swim immediately after the pool is filled up.  This can cause some issues.  With all the natural oils on our bodies as well as sunscreen and lotions, it can create a maintenance nightmare for plaster start-ups.  The new plaster surface is very delicate at first. It is much more likely to be as scratched and damaged in the first few days.  It is also much more susceptible to staining.  After it is fully cured it is much less likely to scratch and stain from normal use.

We recommend avoiding swimming for a minimum of 14 days.  This allows the plaster to partially cure and prevents staining and algae problems that can arise from use.  It also makes it easier to keep your water chemical levels balanced. 

DO NOT RUN THE HEATER

The dust and debris that occurs during plaster curing are very harmful to heaters.  We recommend you have your pool builder install a bypass for the heater.  At a minimum, ensure the heater is not used until your 28-day start-up process is complete.  This ensures nothing is allowed to accidentally bypass the filter and enter the heater. The plaster dust can cause heating elements to fail prematurely and require expensive replacements.

Adjust the water chemical levels daily to ensure they stay within the required range.

Many people do not know, but many plaster manufacturers will only warranty their products if you can show you have maintained the chemical levels correctly.  The Pebble Tech start-up and maintenance procedures document states, “Failure to maintain proper water chemistry will VOID the warranty.  When submitting a Pebble Technology International warranty claim, you will be required to submit weekly maintenance records.”

The recommended ranges vary slightly by manufacturer so make sure you follow your specific plaster recommendations.  The recommended chemical levels from Pebble Technology International are:

First 28 Days

After  28 Days

Recommended Chemical Levels Splash Doctor uses for weekly swimming pool service when using a Salt Water Generator to produce chlorine

Take a look at our online calculator to determine the required chemical additions

Add Acid Almost Daily

Due to the curing process of the plaster, you will notice some white plaster dust being released into the water.  This results in an almost daily increase in pH.  Failure to add the appropriate amount of acid to keep your pH within limits can result in scaling and calcium buildup.  This can be extremely difficult to remove and can cause permanent discolorations and imperfections.  To determine the amount of acid to add use our calculator below:

Color Imperfections

Your new plaster will be curing and changing significantly during the first month.  You may notice some variations in the color and shade of your plaster.  Many of these variations will be far less noticeable after the initial curing process.  Proper balancing of chemicals and brushing will help even out these differences.

Add sequestering agent

Many plaster manufacturers recommend adding a sequestering agent to help prevent discolorations and issues arising from metals and particulates existing in the fill water.

When to add chlorine

Do not add chlorine to the swimming pool within the first 48 hours.  After that time period, chlorine can be added with some precautions: 

1.  DO NOT load chlorine into the skimmer as this can discolor the floor area around the drains
2. Avoid using inline chlorinators during the first 28 days
3. The use of liquid chlorine bleach is always preferred to tablet-type chlorine
4. Do not shock or SLAM your pool during the first 28 days.
5. Do not use SWG for the first 30 days.  DO NOT ADD SALT FOR 30 DAYS
6. Keep chlorine levels below 5.0 PPM for the first 30 days.

Plaster Start-Up Checklist

Days 1 – 3

1. Test pH, TA, and CH.  Record your results.
2. Adjust levels to recommended start-up levels.  For more information on how to adjust please refer to our water tests and chemical guides.
3. Brush entire pool
4. Add sequestering agent
5. Operate pumps and filter continuously until no more plaster dust is present.  This usually takes around 7 days.
6. Do NOT add chlorine during the first 48 hours
7. Do NOT turn on the heater

Days 4 – 7

1. Increase calcium hardness to a minimum of 200 PPM
2. Adjust CYA to 30 – 50 PPM. Follow our CYA addition guide to ensure discolorations and problems do not arise from adding CYA.

Days 7 – 28

1. Check pH, TA, and CH daily. Adjust to keep within limits.
2. Brush the pool 2 times minimum daily for the first 14 days.  Brush daily for days 14-28.
3. Use a brush vacuum to remove plaster dust and any other debris continually.  Do NOT allow leaves, sticks, or other debris to remain on surfaces long term.  This can cause staining.

Days 28+

1. Add salt for SWG
2. Clean filters
3. Run heater for the desired temperature
4. Continue to test water balance
5. Use of wheeled vacuums and robotic vacuums is now permitted

Swimming Pool and Spa General Service and Maintenance

After your initial start-up, it is important to stay on top of water balancing and pool cleaning.  The threat of staining is always present if debris is allowed to remain on the plaster surface for an extended period of time.  We recommend at minimum weekly testing and service.  Splash Doctor offers weekly swimming pool and spa maintenance and inspections.  To schedule a free consultation and estimate with one of our service technicians please fill out the following, or call us at 435-225-7948.