What Is Pool Startup and Why Is It So Important for New Pools?
Building a brand-new pool is exciting — but before you can dive in, there’s a critical step you can’t skip: the pool startup.
At Flow Pool Services, we often explain to new pool owners that proper pool startup is essential to protect your investment and ensure your pool looks beautiful and performs perfectly for years to come.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what pool startup is, why it matters so much, and how expert startup services can make all the difference.
What Is Pool Startup?
Pool startup is the detailed process of carefully preparing and balancing your pool water right after your pool is filled for the first time.
It’s not just about tossing in a few chemicals — it’s a very specific, step-by-step process designed to:
- Protect the pool surface (plaster, pebble, quartz, etc.)
- Balance water chemistry
- Prevent staining, discoloration, or scaling
- Ensure equipment runs properly
A proper startup typically takes about 7–28 days depending on the pool finish and local conditions.
Why Is Proper Startup So Important?
Skipping or rushing through the startup process can cause permanent damage to your pool finish.
Here’s what can happen if startup isn’t done right:
Surface Etching or Scaling: Imbalanced water chemistry can roughen or pit the surface.
Staining and Discoloration: Minerals in the water can bond with the finish and create ugly stains.
Shortened Surface Lifespan: Improper startup can cut years off the life of your plaster or pebble finish.
Increased Maintenance Costs: A bad startup often leads to more repairs, resurfacing, or chemical treatments later.
Starting your pool properly = saving money, time, and frustration.
Key Steps in a Proper Startup
At Flow Pool Services, we follow a precise, proven process for pool startups:
1. Initial Fill
Fill the pool without stopping to avoid creating “water lines” or streaks on the surface.
2. Chemical Balancing
Carefully balance key levels:
pH: 7.2–7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm (initially lower for plaster cures)
Cyanuric Acid: 0–30 ppm at startup
3. Brushing the Surface
Brush the pool walls and floor daily to remove plaster dust and evenly cure the surface.
4. Gradual Water Treatment
Introduce chlorine slowly — too much too soon can damage the fresh surface. Specialized startup products may also be used.
5. Monitor and Adjust Daily
Frequent testing and chemical adjustments are critical for the first few weeks to stabilize the pool.
Why Trust Flow Pool Services for Your Pool Startup?
Pool startups require experience, precision, and attention to detail.
At Flow Pool Services, we offer:
- Professional pool startup packages
- Month-to-month maintenance plans (no contracts!)
- Customized care based on your pool finish and equipment
- Expert advice to set you up for long-term success
Our team knows exactly how to protect your new pool investment — so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful new backyard oasis.
