Brushing a new pool is an essential first step in its care, crucial for removing plaster dust and fine debris to ensure clear water and proper curing of the pool's finish.
Why Brush a New Pool?
Newly plastered or aggregate-finished pools release fine dust particles as the surface cures. Regular brushing helps:
- Remove Plaster Dust: Dislodges fine particles from the surface, allowing them to be filtered out of the water.
- Aid Surface Curing: Promotes an even curing process for new plaster by preventing dust accumulation and facilitating water circulation.
- Prevent Staining: Eliminates potential staining or rough spots that can occur from settled dust if left unattended.
Essential Brushing Tools
To effectively brush your new pool, you'll need the following:
- Pool Brush: Select a brush type suitable for your pool's surface. Nylon or synthetic brushes are ideal for plaster, vinyl, or fiberglass pools.
- Telescopic Pole: An extendable pole that allows you to comfortably reach all areas of the pool, including the deep end.
- Pool Vacuum: A manual or robotic vacuum to collect the dislodged debris after brushing.
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide
The primary objective is to direct all fine dust towards your pool's main drain or skimmers for efficient filtration.
Initial Setup
Before you start brushing, ensure your pool's filtration system is operating efficiently. This helps in circulating water and capturing dislodged particles. It's also wise to backwash or clean your filter before and after significant brushing sessions, especially during the initial weeks.
Brushing Technique
Follow these steps to effectively brush your new pool, focusing on directional debris management:
- Start from the Deep End: Begin your brushing process from the deep end of the pool, systematically working your way towards the shallow end. This method ensures that you are consistently pushing debris in one direction, preventing it from recirculating to already cleaned areas.
- Push Towards Drains/Skimmers: As you brush, actively push the dislodged particles up and towards the main drain or towards your skimmers. This targeted approach maximizes the efficiency of your pool's filtration system in capturing the fine plaster dust.
- Address Walls and Floor: Use long, deliberate strokes, ensuring every square inch of the pool walls and floor is covered. Slightly overlap your strokes to avoid missing any spots where dust might settle.
- Brush the Steps and Shallow Areas: Once the main body of the pool is complete, focus on the steps and other shallow areas. These contours often collect significant dust and require careful attention.
- Target Corners and Crevices: Pay special attention to tight corners, ledges, and other hard-to-reach areas where dust tends to accumulate unnoticed.
Post-Brushing Actions
After brushing, allow your pool's filtration system to run for several hours, or even overnight, to effectively capture the suspended particles. Following this, vacuum any settled debris from the pool floor. If your system allows, vacuum to waste to prevent clogging your filter with excessive plaster dust. Remember to clean or backwash your filter frequently during this initial period of increased dust.
Brushing Schedule for New Pools
Consistent and frequent brushing is paramount for newly plastered or surfaced pools.
| Period | Brushing Frequency | Filtration Status |
|---|---|---|
| First 3-5 Days | 2-3 times daily | Continuous |
| Remainder of Week 1 | Daily | Continuous |
| Week 2 | Every other day | Continuous |
| Ongoing (after Week 2) | 2-3 times per week, or as needed for maintenance | Normal Cycle |
Tips for Effective Brushing
- Patience is Key: Clearing a new pool of plaster dust takes time. Be patient; it might take several days or even weeks for the water to achieve complete clarity.
- Filter Maintenance: Regularly clean or backwash your filter. A dirty filter will be ineffective at capturing the fine plaster dust.
- Chemicals: Avoid adding pool chemicals for the first few days unless specifically advised by your pool builder.
- Monitor Water Chemistry: Once the initial curing period is complete and the water is clearer, carefully balance your pool's water chemistry according to established guidelines.
By meticulously following these guidelines, particularly by directing debris towards your pool's filtration system, you can effectively clear your new pool of plaster dust, ensuring a pristine and properly cured finish for lasting enjoyment.
