If you are considering adding a swimming pool to your backyard or remodeling the one you already have, here are a few helpful tips about the startup process to consider, especially if you didn’t use Nationwide Pool and your Pool Contractor doesn’t do it for you, and believe me, most of them don’t. Once your pool is full of water, it will require extra attention. A pool start-up includes brushing, filtration and chemical balancing. If you are not comfortable with the necessary procedures, we suggest that you consult with Nationwide Pool or another pool cleaning service professional.
The following is valuable information and some basic guidelines to be followed during the startup process:
As plaster cures, generally over the first (30) days, it is important to frequently remove plaster dust in a timely manner by brushing the pool daily to stabilize water chemistry in the pool. It is known that chemicals can have a significant impact upon the life of your plaster which is why it is suggested that only individuals trained in this area introduce chemicals to the swimming pool. A Pebble Tech-Sheen pool is generally easier to achieve a balance in water chemistry than a pool than been plastered or re-plastered.
A newly plastered or a re-plastered pool must be brushed at least twice per day until there is no longer visible plaster dust churned up during the brushing process. Insufficient or ineffective brushing may result tin the plaster dust becoming permanently affixed to the surface of the pool. If you do have a Pebble Tech-Sheen pool, it only requires limited brushing.
Start the pool equipment as soon as the pool has been filled and run the filter for at least 24 hours per day for the first week subsequent to plastering of your pool. Make sure there is main drain suction to filter the dust from suspensions in the water. Be sure to also monitor your filter pressure as the filter may need cleaning during this process due to the accumulation of plaster dust. The filter can be set for normal operation if you have a Pebble Tec-Sheen pool.
We don’t recommend swimming in the pool until there is no longer evidence of plaster dust in the water and your chemicals have been balanced to safe levels. The chemicals required at Startup may cause skin irritation and burning of the eyes. So please proceed with care when you first enter the pool even after the startup process is complete.
We also suggest that you do not use the pool sweep cleaner for at least ten days subsequent to the application of plaster or Pebble Tec-Sheen as the suction could cause damage to the newly finished surface of your swimming pool.
It’s also important to note, that if you have a Pool heating system built in to the pool that you should not run it for at least ten days or even longer if the pool chemistry is not yet in balance. We always recommend that you consult with Nationwide Pool or any professional Pool Contractor during the start up process to ensure that your pool is both safe and easy to maintain for years to come.