Why Proper New Pool Startup Matters: Protecting Your Plaster or Pebble Finish

Why Proper New Pool Startup Matters: Protecting Your Pool Finish 

At Founder's Pool Service, LLC, we know how exciting it is to complete a brand-new swimming pool. But before you dive in, it’s absolutely essential to perform a proper startup process—especially if your pool has a plaster or pebble interior finish. 

We are proud to be NPC-certified start-up technicians, which means our team follows a scientifically backed, industry-standard procedure that protects the integrity and appearance of your pool surface for years to come. 

Why Is Startup So Important? 

The first 28 days after your pool is filled are critical. During this period, your new interior finish is especially susceptible to staining, scaling, streaking, and discoloration. An improper startup can cause permanent damage and dramatically reduce the lifespan and beauty of your pool. 

What Makes Our Startup Service Different? 

Located in Buckeye, Arizona, Founder's Pool Service, LLC ensures that every startup is performed according to the NPC Technical Manual, customized to fit our desert water conditions and climate. 

Week One: A Day-by-Day Overview 

Day 1: Testing & Initial Balancing 

• Test fill water (pH, TA, CH)
• Adjust alkalinity and pH
• Raise calcium hardness slowly if needed
• Begin brushing the surface 2x/day
• Continuous filtration for at least 72 hours
• No chlorine for 48 hours

Days 2–3: More Balancing 

• Retest and re-balance water
• Add chlorine on Day 3 (1.5–3.0 ppm)
• Keep brushing

Days 4–7: Refining Water Balance 

• Increase calcium hardness to 200+ ppm
• Begin adding cyanuric acid (30–50 ppm)
• Monitor LSI to avoid scale/etching
• Install return fittings only when chemistry is stable

Weeks 2–4: Settling Into Maintenance Mode 

• Once plaster dust is gone, brushing frequency can decrease
• Continue weekly water testing and adjustments
• Maintain LSI between 0.0 and +0.3

Our Precise Filling Method 

To protect your finish from Day One, we: 

• Use a clean cloth on the hose and position it in the deepest part of the pool
• Avoid all external water sources to prevent streaking
• Ensure a continuous fill with clean, potable water
• Keep people and pets out of the water during fill and early startup

Certified. Professional. Local. 

Choosing Founder's Pool Service, LLC means your new pool is in the hands of NPC-certified experts trained to protect and preserve the investment you’ve made in your backyard. 

We proudly serve Buckeye, Verrado, and nearby Arizona communities with expert startup services and monthly pool maintenance plans to keep your water crystal clear.