New Pool Plaster Care in Memphis, TN

To make sure your pool remains a stunning centerpiece of your home and provides endless enjoyment for years to come, proper pool plaster after care and maintenance of the pool plaster are essential. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive Pool Plaster Care Guide, which is designed to help you protect your investment and maintain the beauty of your pool. At American Pool Techs, we understand the excitement of a newly installed plaster pool in Memphis or the fresh look of new plaster on your existing one.

Pool plaster is the smooth, durable layer we apply to the interior surfaces of your pool. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, often with added materials like quartz or marble, pool plaster creates a watertight seal and enhances the pool’s aesthetic appeal.

Available in various colors and textures, plaster plays a crucial role in both the functionality and visual appeal of your pool. Proper care after new pool plaster installation, and throughout its lifespan, can significantly extend its durability and keep it looking pristine. Here are our expert tips to ensure your pool plaster remains in peak condition for years to come!

After we have freshly plastered your pool, patience is key to making sure a smooth, long-lasting finish. While it may be tempting to jump into your new pool right away, it’s very important to follow proper pool plaster curing guidelines to avoid damaging the new surface. 

How Soon Can You Swim After Plastering Pool?

We recommend waiting at least seven days before using your newly plastered pool, whether it is a newly constructed pool or it has been replastered.

Swimming too soon can lead to issues such as ear infections or kidney problems due to the high pH levels and plaster dust that will be present in the water during the curing process. Stepping into the pool too early can leave permanent footprints in the soft plaster, which ends up compromising the finish.

We will provide you with our pool plasterer instructions and inform you to wait at least 7 days before resuming normal pool activities, but we will also tell you that waiting a full 28 days will provide you with the best results. This extended curing period ensures the plaster fully hardens and bonds properly, preventing premature wear and discoloration.

The Importance of Curing Underwater

Pool plaster is designed to cure while it is submerged underwater, so it’s essential to fill the pool with water immediately after we are done plastering and maintain proper water chemistry during the 7-day curing process. The first few days are very important, so avoid rough handling of the pool walls to prevent surface damage.

How To Take Care Of Your Pool After Plaster In Memphis

Here are our tips and guidelines for caring for your new pool plaster after our team at American Pool Techs installs it. Proper maintenance in the first few weeks is very important to make sure the plaster cures correctly, remains smooth and maintains its beautiful finish for years to come. The initial plaster curing process requires careful attention to water chemistry, filtration, and brushing to prevent discoloration, rough patches, or damage. By following our expert recommendations, you can protect your investment and enjoy a stunning, long-lasting pool surface.

Immediately After Plastering

• Make Sure To Start Your Filtration System Immediately – Your pool’s filtration system should be turned on and run continuously for a minimum of 72 hours after filling the pool. This helps remove fine plaster dust from the water, prevents cloudy water, and ensures even curing. Keeping the water circulating is key to preventing buildup on the surface and maintaining proper chemical balance. 
• Do NOT Add Chlorine for the First 48 Hours – Adding chlorine too soon can disrupt the plaster curing process, leading to discoloration or weakening of the plaster. Instead, we recommend that you allow the pool water to naturally balance before introducing chemicals.
• Brush the Pool Twice Per Day – Use a soft-bristle pool brush (not a wheeled device) to thoroughly brush all pool surfaces twice daily for the first week. This removes excess plaster dust and prevents it from settling in the pool, which could lead to rough patches and staining. Continue brushing the plaster once per day after the first week until all dust is completely gone. If there is any remaining plaster dust by the seventh day, use a brush pool vacuum to remove it.
• Do Not Add Salt for 28 Days – Salt can be highly corrosive to fresh plaster and may cause premature scratches or pitting. If you have a saltwater pool system, wait at least 28 days before adding salt to allow the plaster to fully cure.
• Avoid Using the Pool Heater Until Plaster Dust Is Gone – Heating the water too soon can accelerate chemical reactions with the plaster that might negatively affect the curing process. Only turn on the pool heater once all plaster dust has been thoroughly brushed and removed, and the curing process has been completed.

Maintaining Proper Water Levels & Chemistry

• Never Stop Filling the Pool – Once you begin filling your new pool after the plaster has been placed, do not stop the water flow for any reason until it reaches the proper level. Interrupting the filling process can cause a permanent waterline or ring to form. It could also allow exposed plaster to dry too quickly, leading to cracks, chips, or discoloration. If you must stop the water for any reason, consult one of our pool professionals immediately for guidance.
• Use the Right Type of Water – Do not fill your newly plastered pool with soft water! Soft water lacks essential minerals and can dissolve fresh plaster, weaken its structure, and eventually lead to surface degradation. If you are unsure about the water quality in your area, have it tested before filling the pool.
• Adding Chemicals After 48 Hours – Once 48 hours have passed, pre-diluted chlorine can be added to reach a level of 1.5 to 3 ppm to begin the water sanitization process. After the curing process is complete, you can adjust other chemical levels gradually to ensure proper water balance, including pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Avoiding Common Pool Plaster Problems

• Do NOT use automatic pool cleaners with wheels for the first 28 days. These can cause visible wheel marks or damage the soft plaster. Instead, rely on manual brushing and a vacuum designed for newly plastered pools.
• Do NOT introduce heavy pool equipment or furniture that may scratch or dent the plaster while it is still curing.
• Limit swimming until after the first week to reduce stress on the plaster, and avoid using pool toys that could scrape the surface.

By following these essential pool plaster care steps, you’ll ensure your new pool plaster cures properly, remains smooth and looks beautiful for years to come. Proper maintenance during the first month can make all the difference in extending the life of your pool surface, preventing costly repairs, and keeping your pool looking brand new!

What Happens If You Don’t Brush New Pool Plaster? 

Brushing your new pool plaster is super important for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Skipping this step can lead to several costly pool problems. If you don’t regularly brush your pool, especially after the plaster has been applied, you can run into various problems such as:

• Rough Surface – Calcium buildup creates a gritty, uncomfortable texture.
• Increased Algae Growth – Micropores in new plaster can trap bacteria and algae, requiring more chemicals to keep the pool clean.
• Stains & Scale – Plaster dust will harden into unsightly mineral deposits, causing discoloration.
• Uneven Finish – Poor brushing leads to patchy, and streaked-looking plaster and inefficient pool equipment performance.
• Shorter Lifespan – Without proper plaster care, it can deteriorate quickly, requiring costly repairs or resurfacing.

Real-Life Example: Two Pools, Two Outcomes

We’ve seen firsthand how proper brushing makes a difference after pool plaster is applied. These cases prove that following our plaster care guidelines can extend the life of your pool and keep it looking great for years to come. Both of these clients had their pools plastered on the same day by our team. 

• Pool A – Brushed daily and the plaster lasted over 10 years with no major issues.
• Pool B – Neglected brushing, and the pool needed replastering in just six months due to roughness and staining.

Proper brushing is a simple step that protects your investment and ensures a beautiful, long-lasting pool. Don’t skip it!

What Is The Ideal Water Temperature For Curing The Plaster?

The ideal temperature for curing new pool plaster should stay above freezing to prevent damage and ensure proper setting. We recommend having the temperature stay between 50 and 75 degrees in order to consistently maintain a stable temperature. This is crucial for the plaster to cure evenly and achieve a smooth, durable finish. In addition to temperature control, brushing your pool at least once a week, especially in the first month, helps remove plaster dust, prevent buildup, and promote even curing. By following these steps, you can extend the lifespan of your pool plaster and maintain a pristine surface for years to come. We have the results to prove that our pool plaster care guidelines work. 

Have Questions About New Pool Plaster?

If you have any questions about caring for your new pool plaster or need professional pool plaster services in Memphis, don’t hesitate to contact our team at American Pool Techs. Our Memphis pool experts are here to guide you through the plaster curing process and make sure your pool stays in top condition for years to come. Whether you need advice on pool plaster maintenance or a full plaster service, we’re ready to help. Contact our team today for expert care and service you can trust!