You have just completed a major renovation on your backyard swimming pool with Mt. Lake Pool & Patio, and the results look spectacular. The water sparkles against the fresh finish, and the new tile work installed by their craftsmen transforms the entire aesthetic of your outdoor space. However, many homeowners make a critical error immediately following this project.
They assume the hard work is over and simply let the filtration system run on autopilot. This passive approach can lead to permanent damage to your new surface within weeks. To protect your investment and the beautiful work done by Mt. Lake Pool & Patio, don’t neglect maintenance after your pool renovation.
The first month following a resurfacing project is the most volatile period in the life of your pool finish. The materials are still curing, and the water chemistry fluctuates wildly. Ignoring these shifts can result in rough surfaces, scaling, or mottling that cannot be fixed without draining and polishing.
The Critical 28-Day Start-Up Period
The first four weeks after filling your pool are known as the start-up or curing period. During this time, the fresh plaster, pebble, or quartz finish undergoes a chemical hydration process. The experts at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio emphasize that this reaction releases calcium hydroxide, which significantly raises the pH and alkalinity of your pool water.
You must monitor and adjust these levels daily rather than weekly during this specific timeframe. High pH levels can cause calcium to precipitate out of the water and stick to the rough, curing surface. This creates a sandpaper-like texture that ruins the smooth feel of the investment you made with Mt. Lake Pool & Patio.
Your project manager likely gave you a specific set of instructions based on National Plasterers Council standards. Following these guidelines prevents the warranty from becoming void. You play an active role in how the final product looks and feels for years to come.
Warning: Do not use a wheeled vacuum cleaner for the first 28 days after a new finish is applied. The wheels can leave permanent tracks or indentations in the curing plaster surface.
Managing Aggressive Water Chemistry
New pool surfaces have a tremendous appetite for acid during the initial curing phase. The plaster constantly drives the pH upward, often exceeding 8.0 within hours of adjustment. The water chemistry experts at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio advise keeping the pH strictly between 7.2 and 7.6 to allow the surface to cure hard and smooth.
If the pH stays too high, you will see scaling or white dust forming on the walls and floor. Conversely, if you add too much acid and drop the pH below 7.0, the water becomes aggressive. Aggressive water attacks the fresh surface, dissolving the cement and exposing the aggregate prematurely.
Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness also require strict observation during this fragile window. Mt. Lake Pool & Patio start-up technicians usually bring the Calcium Hardness up slowly to prevent the water from pulling calcium out of the new plaster. Balancing these three variables creates a neutral environment where the finish can settle properly.
The Importance of Physical Brushing
Chemical balance manages the microscopic curing process, but physical brushing handles the macroscopic byproducts. As the surface cures, it produces a fine layer of “plaster dust” that settles on the floor and steps. If you leave this dust undisturbed, it can harden into a rough, unsightly scale.
You must brush the entire pool surface twice a day for at least the first two weeks. This action keeps the dust suspended in the water so the filtration system can remove it. It also helps smooth out small imperfections while the material is still slightly pliable.
Use a nylon-bristle brush, available at the Mt. Lake Pool & Patio retail store, for standard plaster, quartz, or pebble finishes to avoid scratching the material. Stainless steel brushes are generally too aggressive for fresh surfaces and should remain in the shed.
How to Brush Your New Pool Finish
- Select the Correct Brush: Choose a standard nylon wall brush that is free of rust or old debris. If you don’t have one, visit Mt. Lake Pool & Patio to buy a new brush specifically for the renovation to avoid introducing contaminants.
- Brush from Top to Bottom: Start at the tile line and push down toward the main drain. Overlap your strokes to guarantee you cover every square inch of the walls and floor.
- Clean the Filter: Check your filter pressure gauge daily as the brush kicks up dust. Backwash or clean the cartridges immediately when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.
Filtration and Circulation Requirements
Your pump needs to run continuously for the first 72 hours to a week, depending on the advice given by your Mt. Lake Pool & Patio contractor. Stagnant water allows calcium dust to settle and bond to the finish, creating unsightly streaks. Continuous circulation distributes chemicals evenly and captures the dust you brush off the walls.
After the initial period, you can revert to a normal schedule, but longer run times are beneficial during the first month. Monitor the skimmer baskets and pump strainer basket frequently for construction debris.
If Mt. Lake Pool & Patio installed a variable speed pump during the renovation, run it at a higher RPM than usual for the time being. Higher flow rates help suspend the heavy plaster dust so the main drain can pull it into the filter. You can dial back to energy-saving speeds once the water clears completely.
Heater and Salt System Restrictions
Many homeowners are eager to heat their new pool or turn on the salt system immediately. The pool service in Bucks County at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio warns that this is a major mistake that can damage the new finish or the equipment itself. Most manufacturers recommend waiting roughly 30 days before adding salt or turning on a heater.
Salt is corrosive and abrasive if not fully dissolved, and a fresh surface is highly susceptible to staining. Adding salt too early can cause it to settle on the bottom and burn the curing plaster. Use liquid chlorine or tablets available at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio to sanitize the water during this interim period.
Heaters can also suffer from the heavy plaster dust circulating in the system during start-up. Bypass the heater if possible, or simply leave it off until the water is crystal clear and chemically balanced.
Pro Tip: When you finally add salt, dissolve it in the shallow end and brush until it disappears. Never let piles of salt sit on the pool floor.
Water Level and New Tile
Renovations often include new waterline tile and coping, which need protection just like the plaster. Keep the water level at the midpoint of the skimmer opening to make sure the pump draws water, not air.
Evaporation is normal, but drastic drops in water level might indicate an issue. Keep a close watch on the water line relative to the tile grout joints. If you suspect a leak, contact the Mt. Lake Pool & Patio service department immediately.
The grout between your new tiles needs to cure as well. Avoid scrubbing the grout lines aggressively for the first few weeks. Gentle cleaning with a sponge is sufficient to remove any scum line that forms.
Long-Term Stain Prevention
Once you pass the initial 28-day hurdle, the focus shifts to long-term stain prevention. New surfaces are porous and can absorb metals or organic tannins easily.
Metal sequestering agents are a smart addition to your maintenance routine, especially if you use well water. These products, which can be purchased at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio, bind to metals like iron and copper, preventing them from oxidizing and staining the plaster. A small maintenance dose every few weeks acts as an insurance policy for your finish.
Test your water weekly for pH, alkalinity, and chlorine, and monthly for calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. You can always bring a water sample to the Mt. Lake Pool & Patio lab for professional testing to catch imbalances before they become visible problems.
When to Hire a Professional
The DIY approach saves money, but the stakes are incredibly high with a brand-new renovation. If you are unsure about testing for calcium hardness or handling muriatic acid, hire the professionals at Mt. Lake Pool & Patio.
Conclusion
The excitement of a newly renovated pool often distracts owners from the immediate responsibilities of ownership. A beautiful finish depends entirely on how you treat it during the first few weeks of its life. Don’t neglect maintenance after your pool renovation, or you risk turning a stunning upgrade into a rough, stained disappointment.
By controlling the pH, brushing diligently, and partnering with Mt. Lake Pool & Patio for pool supplies in Richboro, you guarantee the surface cures perfectly. These early efforts pay off with a smooth, durable finish that looks pristine for years.