Back/New Plaster Startup

New Plaster Startup

Protect fresh plaster with tightly controlled chemistry and brushing cadence.

When to use: Pool has been recently resurfaced or newly plastered.
Multi-day commitment
#startup#plaster

New Plaster Startup Playbook

Critical first 30 days for fresh plaster/pebble/quartz surfaces

30

Critical 30-Day Window

Follow builder protocol exactly - deviations can void warranty

Warranty-Critical Actions
  • • Follow YOUR builder's startup protocol exactly (overrides generic advice)
  • • Do NOT add salt until builder clearance (typically day 28-30)
  • • Do NOT add CYA until builder clearance
  • • Do NOT use wheeled vacuum for first 7-14 days
  • • Document everything with photos and test logs
New Plaster Myths
  • MYTH: "Let plaster cure undisturbed - don't brush immediately"
    REALITY: Brushing must start within hours of fill. Plaster dust bonds to surface if not removed quickly. Aggressive brushing is required, not optional.
  • MYTH: "High pH is normal - don't adjust it"
    REALITY: Rising pH is normal, but it MUST be controlled. Sustained pH above 8.0 causes scaling and discoloration. Test and adjust twice daily.
  • MYTH: "Gray water means plaster is failing"
    REALITY: Gray tint is plaster dust in suspension - totally normal for first 7-14 days. Keep brushing and filtering. Water clears as dust is removed.
  • MYTH: "You can swim immediately after fill"
    REALITY: Wait 5-7 days minimum. Water chemistry is unstable, pH is high, and swimmers interfere with critical brushing schedule. Check builder guidance.
  • MYTH: "Add startup chemicals immediately"
    REALITY: Only adjust pH/TA and maintain low FC initially. Do NOT add CYA, salt, or calcium until builder clearance. Rushing causes precipitation and warranty issues.
1

Day 0-1: Initial Fill & Brushing

Begin aggressive brushing routine immediately to remove plaster dust.

Fill pool with hose - do NOT stop until full (prevents start lines)
Place hose in deep end - minimizes agitation of fresh plaster
Start brushing within 1 hour of reaching full level
Brush entire surface twice on day 1 (morning and evening)
Use nylon brush only - wire brushes damage fresh plaster
Do NOT use wheeled vacuum for first 7 days (scratches surface)
2

Day 1-7: Aggressive pH Control

Test and adjust pH 2x daily - plaster leaches calcium, driving pH up.

Test pH every 12 hours minimum (morning and evening)
Target pH 7.2-7.4 (tighter than normal range)
Use muriatic acid to lower pH when it rises above 7.6
Add acid with pump running, distribute around deep end
Test TA - should be 80-120 ppm (within this range, focus on pH)
Brush entire pool twice daily - plaster dust must be removed
3

Day 7-14: Continue Monitoring & Brushing

Maintain tight pH control and brushing cadence through week 2.

Test pH daily minimum (twice daily if pH is unstable)
Keep pH 7.2-7.6 - rising pH is normal but must be controlled
Brush entire pool once daily minimum
Leaf rake/net debris - still no wheeled vacuum
Monitor water color - gray tint is plaster dust (normal)
Run pump 24/7 for first 14 days if possible (aids dust removal)
4

Day 14-28: Begin Normal Vacuum & Reduce Brushing

Surface is hardening - transition to normal maintenance schedule.

Begin gentle vacuuming with wheeled head after day 14
Brush 3-4 times per week (can reduce from daily)
Test pH 2-3 times per week (should be stabilizing)
Maintain FC at 3-4 ppm using liquid chlorine only
Do NOT add salt yet - wait for builder clearance (usually day 28-30)
Do NOT add CYA yet - wait for builder clearance
5

Day 28-30: Builder Clearance & Final Setup

Get builder sign-off before adding salt, CYA, or heater operation.

Schedule builder inspection at 28-30 days for warranty clearance
Document any discoloration or issues with photos before inspection
After clearance: add CYA to 30-40 ppm (or 60-80 for SWG)
After clearance: add salt if using SWG
After clearance: operate heater (calcium precipitation risk if too early)
Begin normal maintenance routine - transition complete
6

Ongoing: First 90 Days & Beyond

Continue best practices through full curing period (3 months).

Brush weekly minimum through day 90 (supports proper curing)
Avoid aggressive acid washes for first year
Keep CSI slightly negative (-0.3 to 0) for first 90 days
Document any staining or discoloration immediately with photos
Avoid salt-based chlorine production above 50% for first 60 days (if applicable)
Log all test results - provides warranty evidence if issues arise

Common Questions

Why can't I add salt immediately?

Fresh plaster leaches calcium and affects water chemistry. Adding salt too early can cause calcium-salt precipitation (scaling). Additionally, accurate salt testing requires stable baseline chemistry. Wait for builder clearance.

How do I maintain FC without CYA?

Use liquid chlorine and test daily. Without CYA, chlorine degrades quickly in sunlight. Target 3-4 ppm and add chlorine daily as needed. Run pump during daylight hours to distribute. Add CYA only after builder clearance.

My pH keeps rising above 8.0 - how much acid do I add?

Start with 1 quart muriatic acid per 10k gallons to lower pH by ~0.2. Add with pump running, wait 2-4 hours, retest. Expect to add acid daily or every other day for first 14 days. This is normal - plaster curing releases calcium hydroxide.

Can I heat my pool during startup?

Not until builder clearance (usually day 28-30). Heating accelerates calcium precipitation, causing scaling on fresh plaster. Wait for the critical curing period to complete.

What if I notice discoloration or staining early on?

Document immediately with dated photos. Contact builder before day 28 inspection. Some mottling is normal (plaster variation), but brown/green stains indicate metals or organic matter. Early documentation is critical for warranty claims.

Checklist

  1. 1Brush twice daily to remove plaster dust; do not vacuum with wheels for first week.
  2. 2Keep pH between 7.2-7.4; test and adjust at least twice daily.
  3. 3Do not add salt or stabilize until builder clearance (typically after 30 days).
  4. 4Maintain FC at 3 ppm once initial dusting slows.
  5. 5Document warranty checks and take photos of any discoloration.

Related Playbooks

First 30 Days - Establishing Your Baseline

Build a reliable baseline chemistry profile and learn your pool's behavior in the critical first month of ownership.

Spring Opening Checklist

Bring a closed pool online safely with balancing steps and early maintenance tasks.

SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain)

Deep-clean your pool when algae blooms or FC demand spikes beyond normal correction.