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Swimming Pool Start-Up Do's & Don'ts


The main objective in a pool Start-Up is to clear or get rid of the plaster scale (dust), and to balance and stabilize the water chemistry in the pool as soon as possible. The first 30 days of plaster curing are the most critical. The need for proper water chemistry and maintenance continues for the life of the pool. The following are some of the "do's and don'ts" for starting up a freshly plastered pool.


The Source of Water

Before adding any new water to the pool, make sure you know the quality of the water. This is recommended because water quality is not the same everywhere. You may find that your local source water is not suitable for filling a freshly plastered pool. It is recommended that all water chemistry reading be written down for future reference. 


Determine The Water Gallonage Of Your Pool

You may want to take a meter reading if you are filling from one source with a water meter.

  • Square or Rectangle = L x W Average Depth x 7.5
  • ​Round = Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9
  • Oval = L x W x Average Depth x 5.9
  • Irregular shaped pools should be divided into the above geometric shapes and added together.

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​Filling The Pool

After the pool has been plastered, the plaster crew should leave a house in the pool to fill in with water. This hose should have a clean, soft cloth tied on the end of it to diffuse the water so that it does not whip, protects the pool surface from being marred be the end of the hose, and to catch any debris that may be in the water system. Do not add anything but portable water. Make sure the fill is not connected to a water softener. 

  1. If you are to use water that is being trucked in a cushion of 24" must be in the bowl of the pool. Water shall be introduced in such a manner that it will not damage the plaster. 
  2. Fill the pool as fast as possible. Additional hoses will fill the pool faster. Make sure they are protected by a clean soft cloth. If the pool fills too slowly check cracks may appear on the steps and near the tile line on the walls.
  3. Do not let the hose whip or flail around the pool.
  4. Do not sue the fill lines on the wall or tile line.
  5. Put all hoses in the deep end of the pool.
  6. Do not let the hoses rest on the plaster, particularly across the length or width of the pool. They may leave a mark.
  7. Its ok to leave the protected end of the hose floating int he forming pool of water.
  8. Do not add anything to the pool untill it has finished filling. This includes water clarifiers and chelating agents.
  9. Do not stop the water until the pool has completely filled. This is usually to the middle of the skimmer opening.
  10. If it looks as if the pool is going to finish filling while you are not around, turn down the voume of the water to a lower rate, but do not turn the water off.
  11. ​If you turn the water off while you are filling, it will leave a water stain ring at that point on the plaster that could be permanent. 
  12. If you splash, spill, wash onto or cause anything to fall onto the fresh plaster, it may stain the plaster.
  13. Do not walk on the freshly plastered surface or allow pets or animals to walk on the fresh plaster.


Test The Water Again

You may find that the water is substantially different after filling the pool than when first tested. Write the chemistry needed for calcium, water must contain a minimum of 150 ppm of calcium. Insufficient amounts of calcium in the fill water fill force the water to draw calcium from the fresh plaster material, creating surface conditions which may not be able to be corrected.


Starting The Equipment

  1. Make sure that you start with a clean filter.
  2. Make sure that the circuit breakers are on and that the time clock is set for 12 hour or more.
  3. Prime the filter pump with water and start the pump. There will be air in the plumbing so make sure that all of the air has been purged from the system.
  4. If you have a Diatomaceous Earth Filter, it will require pre-coating as per manufacturer's directions.
  5. Write down the pressure reading from the gauge on top of the filter. Make sure this is the reading with a clean filter. This reading is important because when the filter pressure has risen 4-8 psi, it will be time to clean the filter again. 
  6. If there is a main drain valve, open it all the way.
  7. Do not turn on the heater for a minimum of three weeks.
  8. Do not turn on waterfall or fountains that aren't necessary until the Start-Up procedure has been completed. 
  9. Do not swim in the pool until after the Start-Up procedure has been completed.
  10. Do not use any automatic pool cleaners for a minimum of three weeks after plastering. 

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Adding Chemicals

Due to the varying differences in source water chemistry, it is up to the person who is doing the Start-Up to evaluate the water conditions present. It must be perfectly clear that the person administering the chemicals should be aware of the power and effects of each chemical and the possible reactions of each chemical. It is the sole responsibility of that person to administer the chemicals in a calculated and safe manner. 


Adding Stain Preventative And Water Clarifiers

These chemicals are extremely important. They help minimize normal staining. Do not add these chemicals until after the pool is filled. 

  1. Follow manufacturer's directions for dosage. 
  2. Before pouring chemicals into the pool dilute mixture in a large pail. Always add chemical to water, never water to chemical.
  3. Apply diluted mixture around the pool away from the pool walls. Do not pour directly into one spot.
  4. Brush pool immediately.
  5. Adding water clarifiers and/or chelating agents in excessive proportions may lead to opposite effects.
  6. ​The mixing of water clarifiers and chelating agents together may cause unwanted results. Make sure chemicals are compatible.

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Other Chemicals

  1. ​Adding large doses of chlorine to water in one spot may cause mineral and metal fallout. This may cause staining of fresh plaster. 
  2. The addition of large doses of any chemical in any one spot may cause mineral and metal fallout resulting in stained plaster. 
  3. Addition of muriatic acid to pools during Start-Up will reduce the water's alkalinity and lower the pH.
  4. The addition of muriatic acid to pools, during Start-Up will reduce plaster scale (dust).
  5. Failure to rid the pool of scale (dust) during Start-Up can lead to the hardening sticking of this scale (dust) to the surface of the plaster.
  6. ​The addition of excessive amounts of muriatic acid to plaster surfaces may cause it to etch.
  7. Broadcasting any granular or powder chemical products onto the plaster surface may stain it, specially colored plaster.
  8. Pre-dissolve all dry chemical products before introducing them into the pool.
  9. Conditioner (cyanuric acid or stabilizer) should be introduced into the skimmer with the equipment running, and allowed to dissolve before turning off the equipment running, and allowed to dissolve before turning off the equipment. This is generally about 24 hours. Add conditioner after all plaster residue has been removed. 

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​Cleaning The Scale (Dust)

You may notice plaster scale (dust) on the bottom of the pool. This is normal and will go away with proper treatment and brushing. The main objective is Starting-Up a pool is to clear or get rid of scale (dust) and to balance water chemistry in the pool as quickly as possible.

  1. Do not use a wheeled vacuum for three weeks after plastering. The use of a brush vac is recommended during the first three weeks to avoid marring the plaster. 
  2. On some pools you may have to turn off the main drain so that you can vacuum.
  3. When you have vacuumed the scale (dust) from the pool it is important to clean this residual from the filter right away. Remember to recharge the filter if it is a D.E. Filter.
  4. It is okay to vacuum the scale (dust) to waste if you wish.
  5. The more you brush the pool the better it will look. The entire pool should be brushed preferable twice a day until the water is balanced and the plaster scale (dust) has gone away.
  6. The pool should be brushed after each vacuuming. 
  7. The filter pump should be on with the main drain open.
  8. Add chlorine in small amounts as needed to the pool until after the scale (dust) has been eliminated, the water is balanced, stabilized and conditioner added.


Start-Up Do's and Don'ts are designed to provide basic new plaster Start-Up information. There are other Start-Up techniques and procedures available. Please consult with your plasterer, service technician or other pool professional.


This information has been produced as a cooperative effort, and is accepted by the National Plasterers Council, The National Association of Gas Chlorinators, and The Swimming Pool Trade & Contractors Association. For additional copies contact:


National Plasterers Council

305 Trabuco Canyon Drive Suite 105

Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678

ANGELES POOLPLASTERING INC.