Your new pool surface needs careful attention for the first 28 days. We handle the entire process — protecting your warranty and your investment.
A newly plastered pool isn't ready to just fill and swim in. The plaster is actively curing for the first 28 days — and how it's treated during that window determines how it looks and performs for the next decade or more.
Plaster suppliers are unambiguous: failure to follow the 28-day startup procedure voids your warranty instantly. Not partially — completely. If the surface develops problems down the track and the startup wasn't done correctly, the cost falls entirely on you.
86% of the cement in pool plaster cures within the first 28 days. Get the chemistry wrong during this window and you risk etching, discolouration, scaling, and surface roughness that's extremely difficult — and expensive — to undo.
A properly executed startup protects your surface and locks in your warranty. Pool Pals follows the National Plasters Council guidelines to the letter — every visit logged, every chemical adjustment recorded, nothing skipped.
We compile a complete digital report throughout the 28 days. At the end, you have a documented history of your pool's chemistry from the very first fill — useful proof if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Every stage has specific requirements. We handle all of it — so you don't have to second-guess the sequence or the chemistry.
The pool is filled without interruption using clean, drinkable water. We test the fill water, check filtration equipment, and handle the initial setup — including buffering the hose end to protect the new surface. The pool must fill continuously; stopping partway leaves a permanent ring.
Full water test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and metals. We adjust alkalinity to 80 ppm and pH to 7.2–7.6, begin twice-daily brushing to remove plaster dust, and add a sequestering agent to guard against metal staining. Filtration runs continuously for the first 72 hours. No chlorine yet.
pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are retested and adjusted. Calcium hardness is raised to a minimum of 150 ppm — carefully, in increments where large adjustments are needed. Twice-daily brushing continues.
Chemistry is checked and adjusted again. Pre-diluted chlorine is introduced for the first time, targeting 1.5–3 ppm. No salt is added at this stage — that waits until after the 28-day period.
We test pH, corrected alkalinity, and calcium hardness throughout this period, making incremental adjustments as the plaster stabilises. Cyanuric acid is introduced after day 4 and adjusted to 30–50 ppm. Any remaining plaster dust is vacuumed out by day 7 using a brush vacuum (no wheeled devices). Calcium levels are brought up slowly, not to exceed 200 ppm by the end of the period.
The startup is complete. We present you with the full 28-day digital report and discuss the next step — whether that's a Pool Pals maintenance plan, handing the pool back to you, or transferring care to a valet of your choice. Your Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) target going forward is 0.0 to +0.3.
These aren't suggestions — they're requirements. Using prohibited equipment or adding chemicals in the wrong order can permanently damage your new surface.
Robotic cleaners, suction cleaners, and pressure cleaners are off-limits for the full 28 days. Wheels can mark the soft plaster permanently.
Automated chemical feeders (other than ORP/pH controllers) are not to be used during the startup period.
The heater must stay off until all plaster dust has been removed — typically between days 4 and 10. Heating before this point can cause scaling and damage.
Chlorine shock treatments are not used for the first 30 days. Chlorine is introduced carefully and at correct levels from day 3 only.
Salt should not be added for at least 28 days after plastering — some suppliers recommend waiting up to 6 weeks. We follow your specific product's guidelines.
The pool must not be used until water is properly balanced and sanitised. We'll confirm when it's safe to take that first swim.
Throughout the startup period, we log every visit, every water test result, and every chemical adjustment. At the end of day 28, you receive the complete record — a properly documented history of your pool from the very first fill.
This report is your evidence. If the plaster ever develops an issue and you need to make a warranty claim, you have proof that the startup was completed correctly and professionally. Without that documentation, claims are very difficult to support.
It also serves as a useful handover document — whether to Pool Pals for ongoing maintenance, to yourself, or to another service provider. Whoever looks after your pool next will know exactly what they're starting with.
Individual plaster products have slight variations in their startup requirements. Before we begin, we'll review the specific guidelines for your product and follow those exactly — not a generic checklist.
28-day log — sample entries
Pricing is based on your pool's size and specific product requirements. Call us or fill in the quote form and we'll give you a clear, fixed price for the full 28-day program — no surprises at the end.
Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm · Auckland-wide · Digital report included
Don't risk your warranty or your new surface. Pool Pals handles the full 28-day procedure and gives you a complete digital record at the end.
Questions? Email us at theteam@poolpals.co.nz · Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm