Sergio’s Step by Step for the Plaster Aftercare
The pool finish will start to hydrate immediately after mixing, with the majority of hydration will take place within the first 28 days. This critical time period is when a finish is most susceptible to staining, scaling and discoloration. Proper start-up procedures including timely brushing and constant monitoring and adjusting of the pool water is mandatory. The following recommended start-up method is based on procedures shown to produce the best aesthetic results. Due to unique local water conditions and environmental factors, parts of these recommended start-up procedures may need to be modified to protect the pool finish.
For example: filling the pool with extremely low calcium hardness, low pH or low total alkalinity levels may necessitate changes to these procedures.
Brushing and monitored chemical adjustments will be mandatory by the homeowner or a trained pool technician during the service life of any pool surface.
NO SALT SHOULD BE ADDED FOR 28 DAYS.
POOL FILLING DAY
Step 1. Make sure the filtration equipment is operational.
Step 2. Remove all floor return heads and directional eyeballs (if appropriate and
recommended in your geographical area).
Step 3. Based on temperature and type of finish, fill the pool to the middle of the
skimmer or specified water level without interruption as rapidly as
possible with clean potable water to help prevent a bowl ring. Place a clean rag on the
end of the hose, always placed in the deepest area,
to prevent damage to the surface material. If a water truck is required, 24 inches (60
cm) of water should be placed at the deepest area for a water cushion.
Step 4. At no time should any person or pets be allowed in the pool during the fill. Do
not allow any external sources of water to enter the pool to help
prevent streaking.
Step 5. Test fill water for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and metals. Record test
results.
Step 6. Start the filtration system immediately when the pool is full to the middle of the
skimmer or specified water level.
1st DAY
Step 2. High alkalinity should be adjusted to 80 ppm1 using pre-diluted Muriatic Acid (31-33% Hydrochloric acid). Always pre-dilute the acid by adding it to a five gallon (19 L) bucket of pool water2.
Step 3. Low alkalinity should be adjusted to 80 ppm1 using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)1.
Step 4. pH should be reduced to 7.2 to 7.6 adding pre-diluted2 Muriatic Acid if the alkalinity is already 80-100 ppm1.
Step 5. Brush the entire pool surface thoroughly at least twice daily to remove all plaster dust.
Step 6. Although not required, it is highly recommended to pre-dilute and add a quality sequestering agent using the recommended initial start-up dosage and then the recommended maintenance dosage per the sequestering agent’s manufacturer.2
Step 7. Operate filtration system continuously for a minimum of 72 hours.
Step 8. DO NOT add chlorine for 48 hours
2nd DAY – Brush the Pool
Step 1. Test pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness and repeat steps of 1st Day except for
Step 6.
3rd DAY
Step 2. Pre-diluted chlorine may now be added to achieve 1.5 to 3 ppm1.
10
Step 3. Brush the entire pool surface thoroughly at least twice daily to remove all plaster dust
4th THROUGH THE 28th DAY
Step 2. On the 7th day, if there is any plaster dust remaining – remove it using a brush pool vacuum.
Step 3. After the 4th Day – low calcium levels should be adjusted slowly over the 28 day period not to exceed 200 ppm1
Step 4. After the 4th Day – adjust cyanuric acid levels to 30 to 50 ppm1 based on the primary sanitizer of the pool (pre-dissolve2 and add through the skimmer).
