New NPT Plaster Pool Start-Up Guide

Protect your plaster, balance water, and safely sanitize.

Step 1: Fill the Pool

• Fill slowly with fresh water.

• Avoid adding chemicals directly to an empty pool.

Step 2: Pre-Fill Water Test (Optional)

• Test for pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium Hardness (CH), and metals (iron, copper).

• Adjust extreme readings before circulation.

Step 3: Initial Chemical Adjustment (Before Circulation)

Tip: Add chemicals slowly, let them dissolve, then start circulation.

Step 4: Start Circulation

• Run pump and filter continuously 24 hours.

• Check water flow and filter operation.

Step 5: Gradually Sanitize

• After 24 hours, add chlorine slowly.

• Free Chlorine (FC) initial target: 1–3 ppm.

• Avoid heavy shock dosing in the first week.

Step 6: Daily Monitoring (First 7–14 Days)

• Test: pH, TA, CH, FC daily.

• Adjust slowly—no sudden large changes.

• Keep within safe ranges:

  • pH: 7.2–7.6

  • TA: 80–120 ppm

  • CH: 200–400 ppm

  • FC: 1–3 ppm

Step 7: Plaster Curing Period

• Full cure ~28 days.

• Maintain circulation, water balance, and gentle sanitization.

Step 8: After Curing

• Normal ranges:

  • pH: 7.4–7.6

  • TA: 80–120 ppm

  • CH: 200–400 ppm

  • FC: 2–4 ppm

• Begin regular maintenance: weekly testing, chlorination, occasional shock.

Quick Reference: New Plaster Water Targets

✅ Tips:

• Avoid large swings in water chemistry early.

• Add chemicals slowly and dissolved.

• Consider metal sequestrants if fill water contains metals.

• Daily monitoring is crucial for plaster protection.