FINALLY about to take the plunge

[ScoopEE]

How many people have made that joke?

As a long-time swimmer/first-time pool owner, I'm excited that the pool at my new home is finally converted over to salt, being replastered and filled. Yeehah, home stretch, right? I'm ordering my TFTKit so I can become the Pool Man, but right now, I'm but a Pool Boy. So I have questions that my pool people may inform me but just to get ahead of things:

1. From what I've casually read, it's advised to not put salt in the pool for at least 30 days after filling. Confirming that!
2. Beyond the salt, how soon can we swim? I've seen some people jump in right away, some wait, but it seems to be that it's a combination of A) messing up the plaster with your feet or hands, B) the plaster's effect on the water that you're swimming in not being the healthiest or could irritate the skin. Is there something else to be wary of, and what have people's experiences been?
3. My understanding is that I will need to brush the pool a few times a day for a while as the plaster cures, correct?
4. My pool equipment is currently in a back area enclosed by a fence but has no roof and isn't sealed (as in the fence has gaps for air, etc.). There's also no concrete there, just dirt. I'm inclined to pour concrete, board up the walls and put a roof on it, but unsure if that's wise. I want to protect the equipment as much as possible (I'm in SoCal). Any advice?
5. Robots. It's not a terribly large pool, but I'd love to have some automation to either scrub the bottom or edges, or even skim the surface (though I find it peaceful skimming the pool myself!). Are there any first-time recommends there? One friend recommended a Betta 2, which acts as a solar skimmer, and I've had another who loves his Dolphin Nautilus. I may not bite right away, but just curious where I should be leaning.
6. Lastly, any other guidance or advice I should take from the start? I want to try and do this right, and learn where I can here.

Appreciate the consideration on the above!

Anxiously yours,
Eric

 

[needsajet]

Welcome to TFP! Good to have you here

I'll only do a couple:

1. My understanding is that I will need to brush the pool a few times a day for a while as the plaster cures, correct?
2. My pool equipment is currently in a back area enclosed by a fence but has no roof and isn't sealed (as in the fence has gaps for air, etc.). There's also no concrete there, just dirt. I'm inclined to pour concrete, board up the walls and put a roof on it, but unsure if that's wise. I want to protect the equipment as much as possible (I'm in SoCal). Any advice?

On number 3., Yes on brushing, but never heard "a few times per day". My instructions have been once a day, plastic pool brush.

On number 4., We're required here in Australia for new builds in cities to keep equipment in a sound-proof enclosure, known as filter box. That's for noise pollution reasons, but also adds to your own peace and quiet. I have two pumps in there which are often both running. I believe the water circulating through the box carries the heat away. I checked with a temperature recorder, and as long as the pumps are running, the box stays little more than a few degrees above the pool temperature.

The commercial filter boxes are powder-coated aluminum with 1" foam insulation, and cost around $1500. Under an eave at the back, there's roughly a 1" gap across the top of the back panel, for air circulation and heat escape. It also has a hinged lid and front swinging door for when you're doing stuff.

Many people build their own, anything from brick to metal to wood. Regulators can test decibels though if neighbors complain, but for most, it's worth the gamble. I would pour a thin concrete pad, 3 or 4" with reo mesh, and include room for where you may be standing outside the filter box, if it suits the landscape. I would plan a light color for the filter box, if it suits. Consider how you will access everything.

 

[needsajet]

P.S. I did some research and have seen brushing new plaster twice per day for the first week, then once per day through the rest of the first month, so just want to correct that.

 

[Gnarbrah]

I'm no pro but I was where you are just a few months ago. I brushed twice a day for a week then once a day for a month. Down to once or twice a week now.
Definitely had to wait at least a month for salt. It's some reaction to the fresh plaster I think. I actually just got my salt in yesterday - took almost 4 months for the builder to come do it!
We waited a couple weeks before we got in. The PH was the kicker for the first month or two. The builder did the acid wash, then once filled came back and dumped 8 gallons of acid in. Took a while to get that under control but it settled in. I tested FC and PH daily and added chemicals as needed.
My equipment is on a concrete pad but I'm contemplating building a lean-to over it to keep it in the shade. FL summers are brutal.
Only cleaner I have is me. I may look into one one of these days but for now I vacuum once a week and have a mask handy to dive down and pick up the random leaves while im in the pool
Patience and ask questions on here - I've gotten some great info!
Good luck!