When installing a new pool there are many different interior finishes that you can choose from. If you decide to go with PebbleTec or PebbleSheen it is vital you familiarize yourself with their warranty guidelines. They are strict with them and your warranty will be voided if you don’t follow the directions carefully! Specifically, following the recommended startup procedures is extremely important because that’s where the biggest mistakes are made. In the end, this could be the difference between the warranty covering damage or not. The interior finish in the first month is extremely sensitive to water chemistry and falling outside the guidelines could void any warranty. That’s why we hope this blog post helps to inform you of the following:
- The break-in period
- Startup procedures
- Full up
- Proper water chemistry
Break-In Period
This is the time period directly after the interior finish was installed. This period ends as soon as the enhancing process is complete and builder turns it over to you for startup.
Start-Up Procedures
The startup process includes following all directions extremely close. In this period you will need to test your water chemistry frequently, brush the interior finish every day, and add all chemicals necessary to keep it chemically balanced. Since the interior finish develops most of its durability in the first month that is approximately how long the startup process will last.
Fill Up
This process includes filling the pool all the way up to mid tile line with no stoppage. YOU MUST FILL UP THE POOL WITH TAP WATER….. DO NOT FILL UP THE POOL WITH SOFT WATER AND DON’T STOP THE FLOW OF WATER BECAUSE THIS CAN CAUSE A “WATERLINE” MARK ON THE INTERIOR FINISH. At which time the pool is filled, you will also want to turn on the filtration equipment and run it for a minimum of five (5) days.
Proper Water Chemistry
After you fill up the swimming pool you will want to make sure the water chemistry falls within the acceptable ranges listed below for the first month:
- pH – 7.0-7.4
- Total Alkalinity – 70-100ppm
- Calcium Hardness – 150-250ppm (this can be challenging in certain areas)
- Chlorine – 1-3ppm
- CYA – 30-50ppm
During this time you will also want to brush the interior finish three times a day for the first three days and twice a day for the next ten days! You also don’t want to use any pool cleaner with wheels because it can leave tracks. Do your best to adhere to the above values and recommendations because failure to do so will void the warranty and in the end burn a huge hole in your wallet!
If you should have any questions about this or pool construction, please let us know!