The Construction Sequence
Follow the typical progression from draining and demolition through masonry, interior finish, filling and startup.
PLAPCO RESOURCE CENTER
Your Pool Remodel Journey
A clear, homeowner-friendly guide to what happens from the day your pool is drained through the first weeks of caring for your new finish.
Every remodel is different, but most projects follow the same general sequence. This guide explains the activity you may see, the timing of each stage, and the homeowner responsibilities that help protect the finished result.
1985
Established
Family
Owned
Owner
Operated
California License #987689
B, C-53 & C-27
B, C-53 & C-27
Built with pride. Backed by the Pacheco name.
WHAT THIS GUIDE COVERS
Know What to Expect Before Work Begins
Understanding the sequence of work makes the remodel experience easier. You will know why each phase is happening, what the site may look like, and when your participation becomes especially important.
Typical Timing
Each phase includes a general timing range. Actual schedules may vary based on scope, materials, weather and site conditions.
Your Responsibilities
Filling and brushing instructions are critical. Proper early care directly affects how the new finish develops and looks.
01
Step One
Draining the Pool
The remodel journey begins with draining the existing pool. Our team installs a submersible pump in the deep end and routes a discharge hose to the nearest sanitary clean-out.
What to Expect
Once the pump is installed and the equipment and automatic fill are shut off, you will see the water level begin to drop.
Typical Timing
Usually started the day before demolition or preparation work begins.
Homeowner note:
If the water stops draining, the pump shuts off, or power is
interrupted, please contact us immediately.
02
Step Two
Strip Existing Finish, Tile and Masonry
After the pool is drained, our crew begins the strip-out phase. Relief holes are drilled in the pool floor to relieve underground pressure. The existing interior finish and tile are then removed.
If your contracted scope includes coping or other masonry, those materials are removed during this phase as well.
What to Expect
This is one of the loudest and most active stages. Jackhammers and demolition equipment will be used, and debris will be removed from the property.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to four days, depending on pool size, access and site conditions.
Important:
Hidden cracks or other shell conditions may not become visible until
the existing finish has been removed. Any significant discoveries will
be reviewed before additional work proceeds.
03
Step Three
Pool Masonry Installation
Once preparation work is complete, the decorative masonry elements included in your scope are installed. This may include waterline tile, coping, veneer stone, raised walls, steps or other masonry features.
This phase is where the pool begins to take on its finished character. Straight lines, clean transitions and careful material placement make a noticeable difference in the final result.
What to Expect
Skilled masons will lay out and install the selected materials. Work may appear methodical because alignment and detail matter.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to seven days, depending on material selections, layout complexity and the amount of masonry included.
Timing reminder:
Custom layouts, specialty materials, weather and curing requirements
can affect the length of this phase.
04
Step Four
Interior Plaster or Pebble Finish
The selected plaster or pebble surface is applied by a specialized finishing crew. This is the interior surface that you will see and feel whenever you use the pool.
What to Expect
The finish is mixed, applied and hand-troweled during a coordinated installation. The initial application is generally completed in a single day.
Typical Timing
One day for application. Pebble finishes are normally acid-washed the following morning before the water fill begins.
DO NOT PANIC
The Finish May Not Look Finished on the First Day
Immediately After Application
A freshly applied pebble finish may look hazy, chalky, uneven or imperfect while it is dry. You may also notice small pinholes, minor surface variations, trowel marks or areas where fewer pebbles appear to be exposed.
This is normal during the initial installation stage. The finish should not be judged based on how it looks immediately after it is applied.
The Following Morning
The finishing crew returns the following morning to acid-wash and clean the surface. During that visit, they expose the pebble, remove surface residue and fill or address small holes and minor imperfections where necessary.
Most minor visual concerns improve substantially after this process and become much less noticeable once the pool is completely filled with water.
Once the fill begins, do not stop the water.
The water should run continuously until it reaches approximately the
middle of the waterline tile. Interrupting the fill can leave a visible
ring or permanent discoloration on the new finish.
05
Step Five
Pool Start-Up and Care
Once the pool is full, a CPO-certified pool service company should complete the startup. The service company will begin balancing the water, follow the startup procedure and explain the early care requirements.
What to Expect
Water chemistry is managed carefully while the new surface cures. The pool may continue producing plaster dust during the early days.
Typical Timing
Startup begins after the pool is filled and continues through the initial curing and water-balancing period.
Need a service referral?
If you do not already have a qualified CPO-certified pool service
company, PLAPCO can provide a referral.
CRITICAL HOMEOWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Brushing Is Not Optional
Proper brushing is one of the most important things the homeowner can do to help the new plaster or pebble finish cure and develop properly.
Unless your written agreement states otherwise, brushing the new interior finish is the homeowner’s responsibility. The entire pool surface—including the walls, floor, steps, benches and corners—should be brushed twice daily during the first 14 days.
Brushing removes plaster dust, helps the finish cure more evenly and assists with exposing the pebble aggregate.
Where to Brush Most
Pay special attention to areas where the surface appears smoother or where fewer pebbles are visible.
Give those areas additional passes and firmer pressure with the pool
brush to help expose more of the pebble finish.
Continue brushing the entire pool—not only the areas that look different. Consistent brushing helps create a more uniform final appearance.
FIRST 28–30 DAYS
Essential New-Finish Care
Continuous Fill
Do not stop the water once filling begins. Continue until the water reaches the middle of the tile line.
Brush Twice Daily
Brush all interior surfaces twice daily for the first 14 days. Brushing is critical and is the homeowner’s responsibility.
No Heater
Do not turn on the pool heater during the first 28 days while the finish is curing.
No Salt
Do not add salt for at least 30 days. PLAPCO recommends waiting approximately 90 days.
Project-specific instructions control.
This page provides general guidance. Your signed agreement, written
project instructions and instructions provided by the finishing or startup
company take priority if they differ from this guide.
COMMON HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS
Pool Remodel Guide FAQs
A newly applied pebble finish can look hazy, chalky, uneven or
imperfect while it is dry. The following morning, the finishing crew
normally performs the acid wash, exposes the pebble and addresses
small surface holes or imperfections. The finish usually looks very
different after cleaning and once the pool is filled.
Brushing removes plaster dust, helps the finish cure more uniformly
and assists with exposing the pebble aggregate. Areas with fewer
visible pebbles should receive additional brushing passes and firmer
pressure.
Unless your written agreement states otherwise, brushing is the
homeowner’s responsibility. The entire pool should be brushed twice
daily for the first 14 days.
No. Once filling begins, the water should continue without
interruption until it reaches approximately the middle of the
waterline tile. Stopping early can create a visible fill ring or
discoloration.
The heater should remain off for the first 28 days. Salt should not
be added for at least 30 days, and PLAPCO recommends waiting
approximately 90 days.
PLANNING A POOL REMODEL?
Start With a Conversation
We begin with a phone conversation to learn about your pool, your priorities and the scope of work you are considering.