Never Interrupt the Fill
Once water begins entering the pool, keep it running continuously until the pool reaches the proper operating level.
PLAPCO RESOURCE CENTER
New Pool Finish Start-Up & Care
The first few weeks after plaster or pebble installation are critical. Proper filling, water chemistry, filtration and brushing help protect the appearance and long-term performance of your new interior finish.
This guide explains exactly what the homeowner, the CPO-certified pool service professional and PLAPCO are each responsible for—from the first hose entering the pool through long-term maintenance.
1985Established
FamilyOwned
OwnerOperated
California License #987689
B, C-53 & C-27
B, C-53 & C-27
Built with pride. Backed by the Pacheco name.
THE FIRST 28 DAYS MATTER
Protect the Finish From the Moment Filling Begins
A new plaster or pebble surface continues curing underwater. During this early period, poor water balance, interrupted filling, inadequate brushing or premature equipment use can contribute to staining, scaling, etching, visible fill lines and uneven surface appearance.
Brush Twice Every Day
Brushing is critical, not cosmetic. It removes plaster dust and helps expose and even out a new pebble finish.
Use a CPO Professional
PLAPCO does not perform startup chemical treatment. Hire a CPO-certified service professional to manage chemistry and startup.
Delay Heat, Salt & Cleaners
Do not rush equipment or chemical additions. Follow the restrictions in this guide and the instructions from your startup professional.
CLEAR RESPONSIBILITIES
Who Handles Each Part of Start-Up?
A successful startup requires coordination. Understanding each party's role prevents confusion during the most sensitive period of the finish.
HOMEOWNER
Your Responsibilities
- Keep the fill running continuously.
- Notify PLAPCO when the pool and attached spa reach the instructed level.
- Brush the entire interior finish twice daily during startup.
- Keep people and pets out until the water is balanced and sanitized.
- Immediately report unusual color, fill interruption or visible concerns.
CPO-CERTIFIED SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
Chemistry & Equipment Start-Up
- Test the fill water and establish the startup plan.
- Balance pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, sanitizer and stabilizer.
- Operate and monitor circulation and filtration.
- Add only the chemicals appropriate for the startup phase.
- Advise when heating, cleaning equipment and other systems may begin.
PLAPCO
Construction & Guidance
- Coordinate the finish installation and initial filling instructions.
- Explain homeowner responsibilities and important restrictions.
- Provide a referral when you need a qualified startup company.
- Remain available for construction-related questions or unusual concerns.
- PLAPCO does not provide routine startup chemicals or ongoing pool service.
01Finish Installation Day
Do Not Judge a Fresh Pebble Finish While It Is Dry
Immediately after application, a pebble finish can look hazy, chalky, uneven or rough. You may notice small pinholes, trowel variations or areas where fewer pebbles appear exposed. At this stage, the finish is not ready to be judged.
What Happens Next
The finishing crew normally returns the following morning to acid-wash and clean the surface, expose the aggregate and address small holes or minor imperfections where needed.
After Water Is Added
Most minor visual concerns improve after the acid wash and become much less noticeable when the pool is filled and viewed underwater.
Call before acting: Do not scrape, patch, apply chemicals or attempt to alter the new finish yourself. Contact PLAPCO if something appears unusual.
02Filling the Pool
Once the Water Starts, Do Not Turn It Off
The fill must continue without interruption until the water reaches the instructed level—normally around the middle of the waterline tile. A stopped or restarted fill can leave a visible line, ring or discoloration on the new surface.
Protect the Hose End
Place the hose where instructed and avoid allowing a metal fitting to rest directly against the new finish.
Keep the Water Running
Do not shut off the fill overnight. Check periodically for hose movement, interruption or overflow concerns.
Fill an Attached Spa
When instructed, move the hose to the attached spa and fill it to the top of the spa dam wall.
Notify PLAPCO
Contact us as soon as the pool and attached spa reach the instructed level so the next steps can be coordinated.
No swimming yet. Keep people and pets out until the startup professional confirms the water has been balanced and properly sanitized.
DAYS 1–14
Brushing Is Critical—and It Is the Homeowner's Responsibility
Unless your written agreement states otherwise, the homeowner is responsible for brushing the new finish. Brushing removes plaster dust, helps prevent buildup and supports a more even pebble exposure.
Twice Every Day
Brush the entire pool surface—walls, floor, steps, benches, corners and transitions—twice daily throughout the startup period, with special emphasis during the first 14 days.
Use the Correct Brush
Use a nylon-bristle pool brush for smooth plaster. For pebble finishes, use the blend brush recommended by the finishing or startup professional.
Brush Toward the Drains
Move plaster dust from the walls and floor toward the main drains so circulation and filtration can remove suspended material.
Brush Low-Exposure Areas Harder
Where fewer pebbles are visible or the surface looks smoother, give the area additional passes and firmer pressure to help expose the aggregate more evenly.
Startup Chemistry
A proper startup includes regular testing and adjustment of pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid and chlorine. The startup professional should also consider the overall saturation balance of the water.
Filtration
Circulation and filtration commonly run continuously during the initial startup period. The startup professional will set the schedule, monitor plaster dust and clean the filter as required.
04Days 15–28
Continue Protecting the Curing Finish
The finish is still developing during the remainder of the first month. Continue the brushing and chemistry program prescribed by the startup professional and do not introduce equipment or chemicals prematurely.
No Heater During the First 28 Days
Keep the pool heater off during the initial curing period unless written project-specific instructions direct otherwise.
No Salt During Start-Up
Do not add salt for at least 30 days. PLAPCO recommends waiting approximately 90 days if you choose to operate a salt system.
No Unapproved Chemical Additions
Do not shock the pool or add chemicals that have not been directed by the CPO-certified startup professional.
No Automatic Cleaner Until Approved
Keep automatic cleaners out until plaster dust is gone and the startup professional confirms the surface is ready.
AFTER START-UP
Long-Term Care Protects the Finish and Equipment
The end of the startup period does not end the need for careful water chemistry and routine maintenance. Consistent care helps prevent algae, scale, staining, etching and premature equipment wear.
Maintain Balanced Water
Test and adjust chemistry consistently. Water conditions can change with weather, use, fill water, evaporation and chemical additions.
Run Filtration Regularly
Operate circulation and filtration according to season, water temperature, pool use and the service professional's recommendations.
Brush at Least Weekly
Regular brushing helps reduce algae, scale and debris buildup while maintaining a cleaner and more uniform finish.
Service the Equipment
Keep filters, pumps, heaters, sanitizing systems and automatic controls maintained. Heavy use and debris may require more frequent service.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE RECOMMENDED
A Qualified Pool Professional Helps Protect Your Investment
A CPO-certified technician can provide regular testing, accurate chemical balancing, equipment optimization and a maintenance plan suited to the pool and property.
INDUSTRY RESOURCE
National Plasterers Council Start-Up Card
For detailed industry startup procedures and water-chemistry guidance, review the official NPC Start-Up Card and provide it to your CPO-certified startup professional.
COMMON QUESTIONS
New Pool Finish Care FAQs
No. Startup chemical treatment and ongoing water balancing are handled by a qualified CPO-certified pool service professional. PLAPCO can provide a referral when needed.
No. Once filling begins, keep the water running continuously until the instructed level is reached. Interrupting the fill can leave a visible line or discoloration.
A freshly installed finish has not yet been cleaned, acid-washed or viewed underwater. Haze, pinholes, trowel variations and uneven pebble exposure can be visible while dry. The next-morning cleaning and acid wash normally improve the appearance substantially.
Brush the entire pool twice daily during startup, with special emphasis during the first 14 days. After startup, continue brushing at least weekly as part of regular maintenance.
Brush the entire pool, but give additional passes and firmer pressure to smoother-looking areas where fewer pebbles appear exposed. This can help create a more uniform exposure.
Keep the heater off during the first 28 days unless project-specific written instructions say otherwise. Do not add salt for at least 30 days; PLAPCO recommends approximately 90 days. Do not use an automatic cleaner until plaster dust is gone and the startup professional approves it.
Wait until the CPO-certified startup professional confirms that the water is properly balanced, sanitized and safe for use.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR NEW FINISH?
Contact PLAPCO Before a Small Concern Becomes a Larger Problem
If the fill stops, the water color looks unusual, the surface concerns you or you need help finding a CPO-certified startup professional, contact us promptly.