Start-Up Procedure

Start-Up Procedure for New Plaster Pool Surfaces
*As soon as your plaster finish is complete, using a hose, water is added to fill your pool. The hose is positioned to hang over the edge and not lay on the surface of the pool. Please do not move the hose.

1	Fill the pool until water reaches the center of the skimmer opening. DO NOT STOP THE FILLING PROCESS UNTIL THE POOL IS COMPLETELY FILLED, otherwise a water mark could appear. If you are concerned that the pool will overfill during the evening, turn the water down low so it will fill slowly but uninterrupted.
2	Make sure the filter has been thoroughly cleaned or backwashed before using. Do not use a vaccuum or automatic pool cleaner with hard wheels for the first 30 days. This may mar the surface. A brush vaccuum head is acceptable.
3	Test water after pool is filled and adjust water chemistry to the following settings for the first 30 days:
pH: 7.2 - 7.4
Total Alkalinity: 100 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 250 ppm

If using a salt chlorine generator, do not add salt or turn on the machine until day 3.

4		Start filtration system. Maintain water circulation for 24 hours prior to balancing the pool's chemistry. (If a heater or heat pump is included in your system, bypass this equipment if possible.)
5		If pH is high, adjust down the pool acid by pouring in front of return line, away from pool walls and shallow areas.
6		Do not add chlorine or other oxidizer/sanitizer products for the first 48 hours.
7		To further reduce the likelihood of staining, brush the pool finish twice daily for the first 2 days. Then brush it once daily for the next month.
8		Clean the filter. The filter should be cleaned again if it shows an 8 - 10 psi rise is pressure.
9		Day 3: Adjust pool chemistry to the following levels and maintain as normal chemistry:

		Free Chlorine: 1.0 - 3.0 ppm
		pH: 7.4 - 7.6
		Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm
		Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400 ppm
		Stabilizer: 30 - 100 ppm

10		Adjust pump timer to normal operating hours.

		Should you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us.
		- Lightning Pools & Pavers

State License # CPC-1457019