NJPools.club Community

Hey all, night shift worker here chiming in after my shift. I've been researching this exact question because I'm planning to install a pool next spring. From what I've read during my late-night deep dives, new plaster IS surprisingly fragile during the first 28 days. The curing process is critical - it's not just about drying, but about proper hydration and chemical balance. One major mistake like adding too much acid during startup CAN cause permanent etching or discoloration. But 'minor' mistakes? That seems debatable. I've seen forums where people say a small pH fluctuation won't ruin it forever if corrected quickly. What's everyone's take?

As someone who obsesses over details (hello, perfect coffee brewing ratios!), I approached pool plaster research with similar intensity. **The short answer: yes, one chemical mistake can absolutely cause permanent damage.** Think of new plaster like a delicate soufflé - the initial set determines the final structure. If you shock the plaster with improper chemical levels during the first 72 hours, you're altering the crystalline formation at a molecular level. I've spoken with three pool professionals who all confirmed that early acid burns or calcium scaling create permanent surface defects. The finish might still function, but aesthetically? Forever compromised. It's why I'm hiring a startup pro instead of DIY-ing it.

Caffeine addict here, so I've been hyper-focused on this topic during my 3PM espresso crash. I think BubbleBuddy35 is being a bit alarmist! My neighbor's pool installer told them that while you need to be CAREFUL, modern plaster mixes are more forgiving than people think. A single minor mistake (like forgetting to test for one day) won't 'ruin it forever' if you catch it and correct it. The key is consistent monitoring - test 2-3 times daily during the first week. I'm more worried about physical damage during curing than one chemical blip. Anyone have real-world experience with recovery from startup errors?

Gym rat perspective: I treat pool plaster like muscle recovery - the initial phase sets the foundation. **From my research and talking to pool guys at my gym:** 1. **First 28 days = critical recovery window** (like post-workout nutrition timing) 2. **Major chemical mistakes = permanent scarring** (like training through injury) 3. **Minor fluctuations = manageable with quick correction** (like missing one meal won't ruin your gains) The consensus I've gotten is that ONE significant error (dumping chlorine directly on fresh plaster, letting pH crash below 6.8) can cause permanent etching. But small, corrected mistakes? Probably not 'forever' damage. Still, why risk it? Be diligent during startup like you would with new workout form.

Great analogies everyone! Olivia's gym comparison actually helps. So we're saying it's about the SEVERITY of the mistake, not just any mistake? That tracks with what I've read. A slightly high pH for 12 hours vs. acid directly on plaster = very different outcomes. Follow-up question: What about brushing during startup? I've seen conflicting advice - some say brush aggressively, others say gentle. As someone who'll be monitoring this at 2AM after shifts, I want to get this right.

**On brushing:** This is where precision matters! During the first 2 weeks, you should brush DAILY but GENTLY - think soft nylon brush, not stainless steel. Aggressive brushing can actually damage the curing surface. It's about disturbing the plaster dust, not scrubbing the finish. Back to the chemical question: I maintain that any mistake that alters the surface chemistry during the initial cure (first 72 hours especially) creates permanent changes. It might not be visible immediately, but years later, you'll see uneven wear patterns. It's like seasoning a cast iron pan incorrectly - the damage might not show until later use.

Okay, but here's my counterpoint from a practical perspective: If minor mistakes caused permanent damage to EVERY pool, there'd be way more horror stories. Most people aren't chemists, yet their pools look fine after a few years. I think the fear is overblown by companies selling startup services. Yes, be careful. Yes, follow guidelines. But no, one slightly off chemical reading won't doom your $10k investment. The plaster continues to cure for MONTHS - it has some ability to recover from early minor issues. Can we get some actual 'I messed up and here's what happened' stories?