A water hose should have been placed over the edge of your swimming pool with the water on and it should be directed at the main drain in the botom of the pool. Do not turn off the water until the pool is COMPLETELY full, approx. the center of the tile or the skimmer mouth is half full. If the water is stopped before this time, it is likely to leave a ring of dirt around the plaster at that level. This can only be removed by sanding down with wet-dry sand paper or emery cloth. When you have about 2 to 3 feet of water in the pool, you may run other hoses over the side of the pool so long as the stream of water is hitting the puddle of water already in the pool. Try not to let it splash on the fresh plaster.
When the pool is full of water, call your pool contractor or your equipment installer and let them know. You will need to schedule a start up date within a couple of days from this date. DO NOT let anyone in the pool or turn on the pool light until the pool is full of water. I would suggest that you brush down the plaster at least twice a day for the first week or two in order the keep minerals and debris from attaching itself to the plaster. Brushing will keep those particles suspended in the water to be removed by the filter and backwashed later. I would strongly suggest hiring a pool maintenance company for the novice owner for at least 30 days in order to learn what needs to be done. Acid and chlorine balance (ph) is important for a clean and healthful swim season.
Discoloration and stains are generally due to water conditions, chemical imbalance and weather conditions. These conditions are beyond the control of the pool contractor or plastering company.I If you take maximum care and caution will prevent discoloration due to improper service.
In over 20 years of plastering, doing hundreds of pools annually, I have seen nearly every situation arise in regards to the discoloration and staining of the plaster. We use the finest materials available and take every precaution possible to prevent this from happening, however, the elements, such as wind, extreme cold and heat, chemicals and your local water conditions may stain or discolor the plaster finish.
Checking or small cracks in the plaster:
Usually on the top steps and love seats are caused by wind or dry weather and cannot be prevented.
Green or brown plant-like growth:
Usually algae and may be removed with extra chlorination and vigorous brushing.
Black spots on plaster with the feel of velvet:
This is most likely black algae and a serviceman should be consulted.
Scale build-up on plaster surface:
Scale is caused from deposits of calcium carbonate and generally are not noticed until dirt or iron present in the water are entrapped and cause a gray or brownish stain. This scale has to be sanded off and the plaster lightly acid washed.
Blue or green stains:
Usually caused by too much chemical (likely chlorine) added to the pool water. A light acid wash will remove this.
Brown or yellowish stains:
Usually caused by dirt or iron presence in the water. This can be sanded with #80 grit wet/dry sandpaper or removed with a light acid wash.
Black stains around metal objects in pool:
This problem generally happens in older swimming pools. It is usually caused by electrolysis. The problem are so complex and varying that it is suggested you ask the advice of a pool serviceman.
