Best practices and procedures for the first 28 days
By Alicia Stephens
As builders quickly begin installing pools, it is important to refresh staff on the steps needed to protect plaster pool surfaces during the first 28 days. The procedures and products used during this period are crucial to protecting the surface, protecting against staining, and supporting the plaster curing process for long-term integrity.
When discussing any pool care maintenance program, including start-ups and weekly maintenance, protecting the plaster surface is key to keeping new pool owners happy. The goal of the start-up process is to balance the pool water in a way which protects the surface from damage and protects the investment the homeowner has made in the pool. Using best-practice start-up procedures will also provide balanced, sanitized water which will protect the swimmer as well as provide the ideal swimming environment.
It may seem intuitive, but it is important to include every step of the process in a plaster start-up checklist. For example, before filling the pool with water, the filtration system should be hooked up, ready to run, and turned on as soon as the water is at an appropriate level. Taking a minute to aim the returns down towards the bottom of the pool and pointing them to the right allows the jets to maximize water circulation. If there is a heater on the pool, it should not be turned on until all plaster dust has been eliminated. Scale damage can occur within the heater if it is turned on too early. In addition, wheeled devices such as plaster vacuum heads must not be used for the first 28 days to prevent damage from the wheels on the pool’s surface. Finally, the pump should run continuously for the first 72 hours once the pool is full. After 72 hours, the run time can be reduced to 10 to 12 hours per day, although 24 hours is always ideal.
In addition to these steps, there are some specific actions which should be taken on Days 1 through 28 after the plaster is completed.
Nice article. I don’t agree with Tabs in skimmer. Too many possible down line equipment that can be damaged. Chlorine Gen Cell, Heater, Pump Seal. I actually put a dummy pipe in place of gen cell so PH issues don’t harm cell.