Just imagine how exciting it would be to have a newly renovated swimming pool with fresh plaster, all set for you and your loved ones to enjoy! Plastering is one of the essential and last steps of the construction process. It is very important to the pool’s durability, looks, and usefulness. Once the plastering process is finished, you can enjoy your newly refreshed pool! But How Soon Can You Swim After Plastering Pool?
After filling up the pool, you just need to wait for around 3 days or 72 hours for the equipment to do its job and clear the water. However, you can swim in the pool safely after 48 hours of filtering.
Let’s talk about why you shouldn’t jump into a pool right after it’s been plastered and how to take care of your newly plastered pool.
How Soon Can You Swim After Plastering Pool?
Professionals agree that swimming should be avoided after plastering the pool. However, the time length is still a matter of debate. Even though you may be eager to jump into your newly plastered pool, you should wait at least 72 hours to enjoy your pool. But many experts think this is still not long enough. Many suggest waiting at least 14 days after filling your pool.
When You Can Fill Your Pool With Water After Plastering
Filling a newly plastered pool with water is a critical phase that needs careful attention. The pool should be full within 36 hours. Don’t turn off the water until the pool is full. It is best to start the filling process right after the plastering is finished.
Things to Remember to Fill the Pool
There are a few important things to keep in mind when filling your pool :
1. Use Potable Clean Water
It is important to use clean, potable water to fill your pool. Potable water is actually water that’s safe to drink and won’t harm you in any way. If you fill the pool with clean water, it will help you to avoid any health issues.
2. Don’t Let Damage Occur by Sloshing
It’s important to avoid any potential sloshing damage during the filling process. Sloshing is the circulation of water that comes from a high flow rate or an uneven spread of water. This can cause soil erosion and pool structural damage. To avoid these issues, ensure the filling process is slow and controlled.
3. Do Not Stop or Pause the Flow of Water
Once you start filling the pool, you should not slow down or stop the water flow until the pool is completely full. Water levels and chemical composition may become unbalanced if the water supply is interrupted and then restored again. Keeping the flow stable until the water level reaches your desired position is best.
4. Start the Filtration Process
It is important to begin the filtering process after the pool is filled. The filtration system is essential in keeping the water clear and removing pollutants.
Tips to Take Care of Your New Fresh Plaster For Swimming Pool
To ensure the durability and optimal condition of your swimming pool’s fresh plaster, it is essential to take proper care of it. The following tips can assist you in maintaining your recently plastered pool:
1. Fill It With Water
Once the plastering process is complete, filling up your pool with water as soon as possible is best. This will ensure that everything sets properly. Plaster cures faster while submerged in water. Also, the water level should be kept at the right level to make the curing process proper.
2. Brush the Walls of the Pool Twice a Week
You should brush the walls of the pool regularly. It is an important maintenance activity for keeping the plaster long. You can brush it at least twice weekly for the first few weeks. It will remove any broken plasters or dirt that might have gotten stuck to the walls.
3. Adjust the Levels of Alkalinity
Alkalinity is an important part of the overall chemical balance of the water in your pool. Alkalinity functions like a buffer; it helps to prevent pH levels from changing quickly. You should regularly use a pool water testing kit to check the alkalinity of the water and make adjustments if necessary. Problems like scaling, corrosion, and pH fluctuations can occur without proper alkalinity levels and damage the plaster.
4. Avoid Heating the Pool
After the pool has been freshly plastered, you should not turn on the heater. Before heating the pool, the plaster must have sufficient time to dry and set. If you heat the pool before it’s ready, the plaster may expand and crack. It can lead you to costly repairs. So, the pool should be heated gradually after fully solidifying the plaster.
5. Avoid Taking a Swim in the Pool
Although you may be eager to jump into your freshly plastered pool, you should wait until the plaster is fully set. If you have any questions regarding how long the plaster needs to cure, contact a pool professional is recommended. Swimming too soon can damage the new plaster and interrupt the curing process, which makes the plaster less durable.
6. Make Sure the pH Level is Balanced
You should test the pH levels regularly. It is necessary to properly function the pool and increase the sustainability of the plaster. The pH number shows how acidic or alkaline your pool’s water is.
Keeping the pH between 7.4 and 7.6 will help you to avoid many problems such as eye and skin irritation or corrosion etc.
7. Water Should Be Circulated for Eight Hours
Water circulation is very important to keep the pool clean. It helps to prevent the growth of algae or other germs in the pool water. You should keep the pool’s filter running for at least eight hours daily to keep the water clean. This helps to remove dirt and makes it a healthier place to swim.
8. Don’t Let Your Pets Swim
Although your pets may love to swim in the pool, you should keep them out of the water while the fresh plaster cures. Pets can bring dirt and germs into the pool. This can slow down the plaster’s curing and worsen the water quality.
9. To Remove Stray Leaves and Debris, Use a Skimmer
You should use a skimmer to remove leaves, dirt, and other floating things from the pool’s surface. Floating trash can stain or scratch the new plaster if it is not removed. It is important to do this regularly to keep the water clear and protect the plaster.
10. Start the Filtration System
The pool’s filtration system must be turned on as soon as possible once the plastering is finished. The filter system is key to keeping the water clean and clear. It catches and removes dirt and other particles from the pool. After plastering, letting the filtration system run for a few days is important to catch any loose plaster particles or debris.
What Happens If You Go Swimming Right After or Too Soon the Plastering?
Swimming too soon after plastering can damage the plaster and pool ecosystem. Here are some possible effects of swimming too soon after plastering:
Cause Damage to the Plaster
Swimming in the pool too soon after it has been plastered can do a lot of damage to the plaster. Freshly implemented plaster is still drying; it takes time to solidify and reach its full strength. Early swimming can cause cracks, divots, or gouges in the surface of the plaster. It can affect the durability and appearance of the pool.
Changing pH Levels
The chemical balance of the pool water may get disrupted if people swim right after or too soon. Plaster curing is a chemical process that may raise the pH of the water. This imbalance can lead to several problems, such as irritated skin and eyes, stains on the walls, and many other problems. You should wait until the plaster is completely dry before using the pool and make the pH level balanced.
When Can You Start Heating the Pool After Plastering It?
Heating the pool after plastering relies on the type of plaster and the manufacturer’s instructions. However, waiting until the plaster is completely dry out is best. The plaster needs about two weeks to cure and solidify fully. Throughout this time, the plaster of the pool will become harder and more stable. The plaster may crack or suffer severe damage if the pool is heated too quickly. You can take advice from experts also that will help you make good decisions and keep your pool in excellent condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Paint My Pool or Wash It With Acid Instead of Replastering It?
You shouldn’t paint the pool or wash it with acid as an alternative to replastering. Painting is a temporary solution but doesn’t fix the plaster’s structure. It needs regular touch-ups. On the other hand, acid washing simply removes stains and discoloration.
When Should You Replaster Your Pool?
The best time to replaster a pool is when the old plaster shows signs of damage like cracks, chips, roughness, stains, or discoloration that regular maintenance can’t fix.
What Are the Best Types of Materials for Plastering a Pool?
There are a few common options for pool plaster, and they each have their advantages and disadvantages. The three most common types are Quartz Aggregate, White Cement and Marble Dust, and Pebble Aggregate.
Final Thoughts
So, The answer to your queries, how soon can you swim after the plastering pool, is to wait at least 72 hours. Professionals agree that swimming right after plastering the pool is not a good idea. It can lead to some health issues also.
Before swimming in a newly renovated pool, it’s smart to be careful and wait for a while. Always consult with a professional if you have confusion about this. It saves your investment in pool plastering, improves your lifespan, and makes swimming more enjoyable.
