Plaster pool start-ups

Day 1

When filling an empty pool, it is a good idea to test the source water to determine what to expect when the pool is full. The balance parameters of the source water will indicate what needs to be addressed first. A test for metals should also be done to identify potential staining and discolouration issues, allowing treatment to occur before the surface is damaged. If metals are in the source water, the ideal approach is to use a pre-filter on the fill hose to remove them before they enter the pool.

A pre-filter is attached to the hose supplying the source water to the pool. There are several different options, but each one contains technology aimed at removing metals from the source water before they reach the pool. If a pre-filter is not used and substantial levels of metals are present, oxidizing and balancing the water can easily lead to discolouration and surface staining. This will result in the need to follow a complete stain and metal removal process to return the pool to the expected condition.

Once the water covers the entire bottom of the pool, adding a scale prevention start-up product will be beneficial. These products help minimize plaster dust by chelating and sequestering the particles released as part of the curing process. They can also reduce the amount of brushing required for the new surface.

When the pool is completely full, the circulation and filtration system should run continuously for the first 72 hours. The water must also be tested for pH and total alkalinity (TA) and adjusted as needed to maintain the desired range. The total alkalinity should be 80 parts per million (ppm). If it is higher than this, pre-diluted muriatic acid may be added to lower it. The acceptable pH range is 7.2 to 7.6. Achieving and maintaining this range is vital for the protection of the pool’s surface. High pH can lead to scale and metal staining, which can cause extensive damage to the new pool’s surface.

Day 2

On Day 2 of a new pool start-up, the pump and filter should still be running continuously. Starting today, the pool will need to be brushed twice daily until the plaster dust dissipates completely. Both the pH and total alkalinity should be tested and adjusted as needed to maintain the ideal readings. Finally, the calcium hardness reading must be taken and adjusted to 150 ppm. If the calcium hardness is low, calcium chloride can be added in 4.6 kg (10 lb) increments in the morning and afternoon, until the desired level of calcium hardness is achieved.

Day 3

By Day 3, the water balance parameters should become more stable. It is the last day for the pump and filter to run continuously. The surface must continue to be brushed to help eliminate plaster dust, and the total alkalinity and pH can be tested and adjusted as needed. At this point in the start-up process, it is time to add sanitizer.

This step is initiated by slowly adding chlorine to edges of the pool while the pump is running. Calcium hypochlorite can be pre-dissolved at a ratio of 0.45 kg (1 lb) of product per 11.3 L (3 gal) of water. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (dichlor) or liquid chlorine can be added directly to pool water. Trichloroisocyanuric acid (trichlor) sticks or tabs can be added to the skimmer or feeder at any time. Using a floating chlorinator at this stage is not recommended. As the product inside dissolves, it releases high concentrations of chlorine with low pH. If the floater becomes trapped against the surface of a new plaster pool, it can ‘scorch’ the surface as the product dissolves. Avoiding the use of floaters for the first 28 days helps prevent damage which can occur if a floater comes in contact with a new surface.

Finally, if the pool uses a chlorine generator, salt should not be added for the first 28 days, as surface damage can occur. The pool must be chlorinated as outlined above for the first month before switching over to the chlorine generator.