Pool Startup: What Happens After the Interior Finish Is Installed

Once the interior finish of a concrete (gunite/shotcrete) pool is complete and the pool is filled with water, it enters one of the most important phases of the entire project: startup.

Startup is the process of bringing a brand-new pool to life—balancing the water, getting the equipment running, protecting the interior finish, and preparing the pool for long-term health and enjoyment.

For anyone researching pool construction or planning a future project, understanding this phase will help you know what to expect during the first few days of pool ownership.

What Happens During Pool Startup

Startup begins immediately after the pool is filled. A series of essential steps take place to make sure the pool is clear, healthy, and ready for normal use.

1. Water Chemistry Balancing

Fresh plaster or pebble finishes naturally affect the water chemistry. During startup, technicians test the water frequently and adjust the chemical levels until they stabilize. Proper balancing helps protect the interior finish and ensures the water is safe and comfortable.

2. Circulation & Filtration

The pool’s pump and filter run continuously at first to remove:

• Fine construction dust

• Plaster or pebble residue

• Early-stage sediment

This stage helps the water transition from cloudy to clear.

3. Initial Brushings

Every new interior finish releases small amounts of surface dust as it cures. Brushing the walls and floor:

• Removes this dust

• Helps achieve a uniform finish

• Prevents streaking or uneven coloration

Most pool builders perform the initial brushings and then teach homeowners what to do afterward.

4. Equipment Testing

All major components are checked and calibrated, including:

• Pump

• Filter

• Skimmer

• Lights

• Valves

• Automation controls

• Heaters and specialty equipment

This ensures the entire system operates exactly as designed.

5. Final Water Preparation

Once chemistry stabilizes and filtration clears the water, the pool is officially ready for regular use. This typically happens within the first several days, depending on the interior finish and environmental conditions.

How MicroGlass Speeds Up the Startup Process

Traditional plaster pools often take a full month to fully settle, cure, and clear. During that time, plaster dust must be brushed and filtered continuously.

MicroGlass technology changes that experience significantly.

MicroGlass is a specialized treatment applied to the interior finish that:

• Hardens the surface more quickly

• Reduces the amount of plaster dust produced

• Helps the finish cure more evenly

• Speeds up water clarity

• Offers long-term protection against etching, scaling, fading, chipping, and discoloration

Because the surface is sealed and strengthened, the startup process is faster, cleaner, and more predictable. Many pools with MicroGlass reach clear, balanced water far sooner than traditional plaster pools.

Why Startup Matters

Startup isn’t just a routine step—it sets the tone for the pool’s entire lifespan. Proper startup:

• Protects the interior finish from early damage

• Ensures longevity and aesthetic consistency

• Optimizes energy efficiency

• Helps maintain predictable chemical behavior

• Makes the first swim experience cleaner and more enjoyable

A well-executed startup is the foundation for a healthy, long-lasting pool.

The Final Step Before Enjoyment

Startup marks the moment a pool transitions from construction to real-world use. With chemistry stabilized, equipment dialed in, and water running clear, the pool is ready to become the outdoor retreat it was designed to be.