Startup Chemistry Guide (First 30 Days)

Professional Pool Company — Protecting Your New Interior Finish

The first 30 days after your pool is plastered and filled are critical. This period, known as the startup phase, determines how well the interior finish cures and how long it lasts. Proper water chemistry prevents staining, scaling, discoloration, and surface imperfections.

This guide explains exactly what to do — and what to avoid — during the first month of startup.

⭐ 1. Why the First 30 Days Matter

Fresh plaster, quartz, or pebble finishes are still curing for several weeks.

During this period, the finish is:

• Soft and vulnerable to stains
• Sensitive to pH changes
• Releasing plaster dust
• Susceptible to scale buildup
• Absorbing and balancing water chemistry

Good startup chemistry = a smooth, even, long-lasting finish.

Bad chemistry = discoloration, roughness, scaling, or etching.

⭐ 2. Day 1: Fill Day — What Happens

Once the interior finish is applied:

✔ Pool is filled immediately

✔ Water cannot be stopped mid-fill

✔ No walking on stairs or stepping into the pool

✔ No equipment turned on yet

✔ Do not add chemicals unless instructed

✔ Do not brush until after pool is completely full

The water must rise continuously until it reaches the tile line.

⭐ 3. Days 1–3: Brushing & Balancing Begins

We (or your startup technician) will:

✔ Brush the entire pool twice per day

This removes plaster dust and prevents it from hardening into the surface.

✔ Begin adjusting pH and alkalinity

Fresh plaster causes pH to rise rapidly, so pH must be tested and adjusted daily.

✔ Begin circulating water

Pump runs on a programmed schedule.

✔ Do not use the heater

Heating soft plaster can cause immediate damage.

Typical Targets (Initial Days):

• pH: 7.2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 150–200 ppm (will rise naturally)
• Chlorine: NONE for 48–72 hours

⭐ 4. Days 3–7: Gentle Chemistry Adjustments

After 48–72 hours:

✔ Light chlorine may be added

Target: 1–3 ppm, never higher.

✔ Continue brushing daily

This helps the surface cure evenly.

✔ Vacuuming may begin

No wheeled vacuums — brush vac only.

Avoid:

✘ Salt

✘ Stabilizer (CYA)

✘ High chlorine

✘ Minerals or clarifiers

⭐ 5. Days 7–14: Stabilizing Water Chemistry

Targets During Week 2:

• pH: 7.2–7.8
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–275 ppm
• Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
• CYA: 30–40 ppm (added gradually)

Continue:

✔ Brushing twice a day (or at least daily)

✔ Running the pump on a normal cycle

✔ Vacuuming as needed (brush vac only)

⭐ 6. Days 14–30: Normalizing Water Balance

By Week 3 and 4, your pool is entering stable chemistry range.

Targets for Weeks 3–4:

• pH: 7.4–7.8
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium: 200–400 ppm
• CYA: 30–50 ppm
• Chlorine: 2–4 ppm

You may now:

✔ Use automatic cleaners (no wheels until Day 28)

✔ Adjust pump speeds normally

✔ Swim (usually safe after chlorine stabilizes)

Still avoid:

✘ Heating the pool

✘ Adding salt

✘ Heavy chemical use

✘ Leaving debris on the pool bottom

⭐ 7. When You Can Add Salt (Important!)

Salt cannot be added until:

• The interior finish is fully cured
• A minimum of 28–30 days has passed
• Water chemistry is stable

Adding salt early can:

• Etch or weaken the surface
• Cause pitting
• Create blotchy discoloration
• Shorten plaster lifespan

Salt systems remain OFF until Day 30.

⭐ 8. When You Can Use the Heater

Heaters must stay off for the entire first 30 days.

Heating too early can:

• Cause surface delamination
• Create streaking
• Lead to “flash curing”
• Shorten finish lifespan

Water must remain at natural temperature during this period.

⭐ 9. Do’s and Don’ts (Quick Reference)

Do:

✔ Brush daily

✔ Maintain chemistry within target ranges

✔ Keep pump running on schedule

✔ Use a brush vacuum

✔ Add chlorine slowly after 48–72 hours

Don’t:

✘ Add salt before Day 30

✘ Use the heater

✘ Use a robotic cleaner too early

✘ Add stabilizer or calcium too quickly

✘ Shock the pool

✘ Allow debris to sit on the surface

⭐ 10. What Homeowners Should Expect

It’s normal to see:

• Plaster dust
• Cloudiness during the first few days
• Rising pH levels
• Mild changes in water clarity
• Slight color variations that even out with brushing

All of this resolves during the curing & startup phase.

⭐ 11. After 30 Days: Normal Chemistry Begins

Once the startup phase ends, you can:

✔ Add salt

✔ Turn on the salt system

✔ Use the heater

✔ Switch to automated cleaning

✔ Follow normal weekly chemistry

Your pool is now fully ready for regular operation.

⭐ Need Help Managing Startup Chemistry?

We guide you through every step and ensure your interior finish cures properly for long-term durability.

👉 Ask us anytime for water chemistry support.

Updated on: 28/11/2025