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# Startup chemistry guide (First 30 days)

# **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.**