(WorldFrontNews Editorial):- Miami, Florida Aug 10, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – A Miami-based pool service company is raising awareness about a critical, and often overlooked, step in pool construction and resurfacing known as the “startup” — the process of carefully balancing pool water in the days after new plaster is applied. Improper startups, the company says, are a leading cause of permanent cosmetic and structural damage in newly plastered pools. They Emphasize why everyone should have a startup done.
The Problem: Unbalanced Water Attacks New Plaster
According to Bryan Baez, whose company performs pool startups for builders across South Florida, freshly applied pool plaster is highly vulnerable during its curing period. Plaster contains calcium hydroxide, its weakest component, which unbalanced water will immediately begin drawing out of the surface. This creates fine plaster dust that can settle back onto the surface, permanently masking the plaster’s true color — an issue the company reports is especially problematic on colored plaster finishes, where the dust can be mistaken for algae growth.
To prevent this, water must be balanced as quickly as possible once a pool is filled. Some companies use specialized pretreatment equipment, such as Orenda’s start-up barrel, which balances water before it enters the pool. Where that equipment isn’t available, the company emphasizes that rapid water balancing, continuous filtration, and regular brushing remain essential.
Hydration Stains: A Preventable but Irreversible Problem
The release also highlights the risk of hydration stains — permanent, shadow-like discoloration caused when moisture trapped beneath the plaster pushes calcium hydroxide out through the surface. These stains most commonly result from shotcrete (the pool’s base concrete) not being allowed to properly wet-cure for the industry-standard 28 days before plastering begins.
Improperly cured shotcrete can lose as much as 30% of its intended compressive strength, compromising the pool’s ability to resist soil pressure, support finishes, and prevent leaks. Once a hydration stain forms, it cannot be chemically removed — the only remedy is draining the pool and mechanically “torching” the affected plaster.
Recommendations for Homeowners
The company outlined several best practices homeowners should confirm with their builder or pool contractor:
- Ensure shotcrete is wet-cured for a full 28 days before plaster is applied
- Confirm all repair areas (such as patches near the main drain) are fully cured before plastering
- Require immediate pump circulation once the pool is filled
- Ensure brushing occurs twice daily for the first 28 days
- Delay chlorine addition until day three to avoid metal staining and hydration-stain risk
- Schedule any deck work or pressure washing before plastering — or wait a full 28 days after
- Avoid using the pool, wheeled vacuums, metal brushes, or adding salt for the first 30 days
About the Company
The company specializes in chemistry first pool service, and professional pool startups for builders and homeowners throughout the Miami area, with a focus on protecting new plaster surfaces through proper water balancing and curing practices.
Media Contact
Bryan Baez, Vibrant Pool Services, 305-507-9947, [email protected], www.Vibrantpoolservices.com
Media Contact
VIbrant Pool Services
3055079947
6890 sw 130 avenue
