Pool Finish Start-Up & Care Instructions

How to Protect Your New Pool Finish & Equipment

Owning a newly constructed or remodeled pool is exciting — and proper care during the first few weeks is critically important for protecting your new finish and ensuring long-lasting performance.

Below is a clear guide to help you move forward with confidence.

1. What Is a Pool Start-Up Procedure?

After your pool is plastered or finished, the interior surface begins a natural curing process. During the first 28 days, most of the cementitious materials in the finish gain strength underwater while being highly susceptible to staining or scaling if not properly cared for. Following a structured startup protocol helps your pool finish develop correctly and look its best for years to come.

During this time you’ll need to:

• Establish water balance
• Run filtration continuously
• Brush the pool surface frequently
• Avoid certain equipment and chemical additions

2. Important: Who Handles the Start-Up Chemicals?

At Pacheco Landscape & Pool Construction, we do not handle start-up chemicals as part of the pool build/remodel. To protect your finish and investment, you will need to hire a CPO-certified pool service professional for start-up water chemistry and ongoing balancing.

If you do not already have a trusted pool service company, we can recommend a CPO-certified technician in your area who understands proper startup and maintenance practices.

3. Pool Filling & Initial Start-Up Expectations

During the filling of your pool:

  • Avoid stopping and restarting the fill process once begun — interruptions can cause visible lines or staining.

  • Contact us as soon as the pool is filled to the proper level (if there is an attached spa, move the hose to the spa and fill until it reaches the top of the spa dam wall).

Do not allow people or pets in the pool until the water is fully balanced and sanitized.

4. Brushing Is Your Responsibility

Brushing isn’t just aesthetic — it’s critical for finish longevity.

The National Plasterers Council explains that brushing the surface of a new pool finish is vital to remove plaster dust and prevent staining.

Recommended brushing schedule (first 28 days):

  • Brush the entire pool surface twice per day during start-up

  • Use a nylon bristled pool brush (except with pebble use a ‘blend’ brush)

  • Focus on walls and floor toward main drains

After startup, continue brushing regularly (typically once per week) to maintain a clean surface and prolong the life of the finish.

5. Water Chemistry & Equipment Care

A proper start-up includes regular testing and adjustment of:

• pH
• Total Alkalinity
• Calcium Hardness
• Cyanuric Acid
• Chlorine levels

These must be maintained within recommended ranges to avoid staining, scaling, or etching of your finish.

Important restrictions during the first 28 days:

  • Do not add salt or use salt systems until advised by your service professional (we do not recommend salt systems, if you decide to use a salt system, we recommend waiting 90 days to add salt).

  • Do not shock the pool or introduce other chemicals not recommended by your pool service provider.

  • Pool heaters and automatic cleaners should generally be avoided until plaster dust is gone (often 14–21 days or more).

Your CPO-certified service company will typically handle chemical additions and balances on your behalf.

6. Long-Term Pool Care After Start-Up

Once your start-up period is complete:

  • Maintain proper water chemistry

  • Run filtration regularly (typically daily in season)

  • Continue brushing at least weekly

  • Keep your equipment serviced

Consistent maintenance prevents algae, scale buildup, and premature wear on both finish and equipment, helping extend the life of your investment.

7. Professional Service Recommendation

Your pool is one of the most valuable features of your home. A certified pool professional provides:

✔ Accurate chemical balancing
✔ Water testing and adjustment
✔ Equipment operation and optimization
✔ Regular service plans suited to your schedule and budget

If you don’t already have a pool service provider, we’re happy to recommend trusted, local CPO-certified technicians who understand proper startup and long-term maintenance.

8. Want More Detail?

For the official industry-standard startup procedures and guidelines from the National Plasterers Council, download their start-up card here:

👉 National Plasterers Council – Startup & Water Chemistry Card

9. Need Help or Have Questions?

You can always contact us if you’re unsure about any aspect of your pool care or need help connecting with a certified service provider.

📞 925-276-2106
📧 Info@PLAPCO.com