Objective
Starting up a newly plastered pool can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. This guide provides the exact steps to use Startup Treat™ to protect your fresh pool plaster, prevent scale, and eliminate the need for exhausting daily brushing.
The Magic of "Brushless Technology"
When a pool is newly plastered, it continues to cure underwater. During this process, it releases a massive amount of alkaline "plaster dust." Traditionally, pool owners had to brush the entire pool vigorously every single day to prevent this dust from hardening into permanent, rough scale.
Startup Treat™ changes the game. It utilizes advanced "Brushless Technology" featuring powerful anionic dispersants. By adding it early in the filling process, the product's wetting agents immediately penetrate the fresh plaster while polymers keep the plaster dust safely suspended in the water. Instead of you brushing the dust, your filter simply removes it! It is non-acidic and completely safe for your new heater, pump, and salt cell. For the best long-term finish, we highly recommend managing your new pool's chemistry using the Hamilton Index™ balancing system.
Prerequisites
Crucial Safety Rule: Do not add this product directly to an oxidizer (such as chlorine, bromine, non-chlorine shock, hydrogen peroxide, etc.).
Remove all leaves and debris from the pool bowl.
Ensure your filtration system is fully plumbed and ready for operation, but do not turn on the pump until the pool is completely full.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin Filling: Start filling the pool with water. Do not stop the filling process at any point until the water reaches the middle of the tile line (stopping can cause a permanent "bathtub ring" on fresh plaster).
Add Startup Treat (The Crucial Step): Watch the deep end. When the water level reaches 6 to 12 inches deep in the bowl, pour the Startup Treat™ directly into the deep end.
Dosage: Add 64 oz. (1/2 gallon) per 10,000 gallons of total expected pool water.
Why early? Adding it now allows the chemical to mix naturally as the water rises, coating the entire surface to prevent dust adhesion.
Finish Filling: Continue filling the pool to your normal operating level.
Start Circulation: Navigate to your equipment pad and turn the main circulation pump to the ON position. Run the pump continuously for 24 to 48 hours.
Monitor and Clean the Filter: Because the product pushes the suspended plaster dust into your filtration system, your filter will load up quickly. Keep a close eye on your pressure gauge. Clean or backwash the filter when the pressure rises 8–10 psi above your clean starting pressure.
Light Maintenance: Heavy brushing is typically not required. If you notice any light dust settling in the corners, simply use your pool brush to lightly sweep it toward the main drain.
Critical Chemical Dosing for Fresh Plaster
Fresh plaster is highly delicate during its first 30 days. You must adjust how you add standard chemicals to prevent permanent staining or bleaching.
Chlorine Application: Add chlorine very slowly. DO NOT SHOCK. High doses of chlorine will aggressively damage fresh plaster. Instead, add less than 1 lb (granular) or 1 gallon (liquid) of chlorine twice a week to maintain a gentle residual. Tip: Using chlorinating tablets in a floating dispenser or inline chlorinator is highly recommended during this period.
Conditioner (Stabilizer) Application: Add conditioner only as necessary. NEVER BROADCAST CONDITIONER DIRECTLY INTO THE POOL. Undissolved stabilizer pellets sitting on fresh plaster will cause permanent white spotting. You must dissolve the granules completely in a bucket of water to create a slurry first, then pour the slurry gently around the perimeter of the pool.
Troubleshooting Note: To ensure your new plaster stays pristine and free of future scale or metal stains, we recommend transitioning to a weekly maintenance dose of No Mor Stains & Scale™ once your startup process is complete.