Congratulations — Now Keep It Beautiful
You've invested in a custom pool. The construction is done, the water is crystal clear, and your backyard has never looked better. Now comes the part nobody talks about enough: maintaining it properly so it stays that way for decades.
The First 30 Days Are Critical
New pool plaster (or pebble finish) goes through a curing process that requires specific care:
Daily tasks for the first 2 weeks:
- Brush the entire pool surface twice daily with a nylon brush
- Test water chemistry daily
- Run the pump 24 hours a day for the first week, then 12+ hours daily
- Never vacuum the pool during the first 2 weeks (use the brush only)
Why brushing matters:
New plaster releases calcium dust as it cures. Brushing prevents this from settling into spots, streaks, or discoloration. Yes, it's tedious. Yes, it's non-negotiable.Water Chemistry Basics
Pool chemistry isn't rocket science, but it does require consistency. Here are the numbers you need to know:
Target ranges:
- Free Chlorine: 1.0 - 3.0 ppm
- pH: 7.4 - 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 30 - 50 ppm
- Salt (if saltwater): 2,700 - 3,400 ppm
Testing schedule:
- Chlorine & pH: 2-3 times per week
- Alkalinity & calcium: Weekly
- Full panel: Monthly (take a sample to your local pool store)
Seasonal Care in Charlotte
Spring (March - April)
- Remove winter cover if used
- Clean and inspect equipment
- Shock the pool and balance chemistry
- Service the salt cell or chlorinator
- Check for any winter damage
Summer (May - September)
- Peak swimming season — test chemistry 3x/week
- Run pump 10-14 hours daily
- Skim debris daily
- Vacuum weekly
- Clean filter monthly
- Monitor salt levels (salt pools lose salt when swimmers splash water out)
Fall (October - November)
- Reduce pump run time to 6-8 hours
- Continue chemical maintenance (algae doesn't care about cooler weather)
- Clean and trim landscaping around pool
- Consider a leaf net if you have mature trees
Winter (December - February)
- Charlotte pools typically don't freeze hard enough to require full winterization
- Run pump at least 4-6 hours daily
- Maintain minimum chlorine levels
- Use a freeze guard on your automation system
Equipment Maintenance
Monthly:
- Clean skimmer and pump baskets
- Check water level (evaporation is real)
- Inspect equipment for leaks or unusual noise
Quarterly:
- Clean or backwash the filter
- Inspect the salt cell for calcium buildup
- Test automation system and lighting
Annually:
- Professional equipment inspection
- O-ring and gasket replacement as needed
- Consider acid washing the salt cell
When to Call a Professional
DIY maintenance covers 90% of what your pool needs. Call a pro when:
- Water turns green and won't clear with shocking
- Equipment makes unusual sounds or won't prime
- You notice structural cracks or settling
- Chemical readings are consistently off despite adjustments
- Plaster shows etching, scaling, or discoloration
The Bottom Line
A well-maintained gunite pool lasts 50+ years. The investment in regular maintenance is tiny compared to the cost of neglect. Spend 30 minutes a week on basic care, and your pool will reward you with decades of beautiful, trouble-free enjoyment.