The First 30 Days Matter Most
Your pool’s startup phase is when the interior surface cures, the water chemistry stabilizes, and the entire system settles into balance. These first few weeks determine how your finish will look and how easy it will be to maintain your pool in the long run.
Our team takes care of the initial fill and startup for you, but it’s helpful to understand what happens during this time and how you can protect your investment.
Day 1: Filling the Pool
Once your interior finish is applied, water begins filling immediately. This is critical because the surface must remain submerged to cure evenly.
Important:
- Do not stop or interrupt the fill.
- Do not walk on the surface before it’s full.
- Avoid adding chemicals until the pool is completely filled.
The first fill can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours depending on water pressure and pool size.
Days 2–7: Brushing and Balancing
During the first week, the finish begins to hydrate and harden. Brushing helps remove plaster dust and expose the true color and texture of the surface.
What we do:
- Brush the pool once or twice a day for the first 7 days.
- Begin gentle water balancing, adjusting pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels.
- Run the pump continuously to circulate and filter out dust.
What you should do:
- Do not use the pool yet.
- Do not add chemicals or shock the water yourself.
- Keep debris, leaves, and pets out of the pool.
This stage sets the tone for the rest of your startup.
Days 8–14: Fine-Tuning the Chemistry
By the second week, water clarity starts improving and the finish begins to take its true tone. This is when we start stabilizing chlorine levels and monitoring hardness and alkalinity.
Our goal: keep your pool water balanced without overcorrecting. Rapid chemical changes can cause discoloration or streaking, especially in the first two weeks.
We’ll continue brushing and filtering daily to make sure everything cures evenly.
Days 15–30: System Check and Gradual Use
After two weeks, your pool chemistry stabilizes and the finish continues to harden. You can begin using the pool lightly around the three-week mark, depending on the interior material and technician approval.
During this time, we:
- Clean the filter and equipment pad.
- Calibrate automation and heaters.
- Verify that all systems are running efficiently.
You can start enjoying your pool, but still avoid heavy use, floating chlorine tablets, or placing furniture and floats on the surface.
Tips for Protecting Your New Finish
- Brush daily for the first 14 days, then every other day until day 30.
- Maintain steady water levels to prevent ring lines or uneven curing.
- Keep sprinklers and yard runoff away from the pool edge.
- Avoid adding salt until at least 30 days after startup.
- Wait 28–30 days before heating the pool.
Following these simple steps ensures your finish cures evenly and maintains its beauty for years to come.
Our Promise
At Southern Pool Designs, we build every pool like it’s our own. The startup phase may feel slow, but it’s one of the most important parts of the process. When done right, it protects your investment, enhances your finish, and keeps your water crystal clear for the long term.
If you ever have questions during startup or beyond, our team is always one call away.