Thanks. Multiple questions, but for starters, it says "Traditional Start-up
Your builder will normally take care of the first five steps and then turn it over to you."
1.) What first 5 steps is this referring to?
Message not sure if the author was referring to the first 5 steps above or of the start up.
Either
-DO NOT SWIM DURING THE BREAK IN PERIOD!
-Turn off the heater and leave it off for at least 3 weeks after filling. If practical, bypass the heater during this period.
-Fill the pool. The pool should be filled as quickly as possible, without stopping. Use multiple hoses if possible. Do not allow water from the hose to spray directly onto the fresh plaster.
-When the pool is full, add a startup dose of sequestrant.
-Brush the entire pool at least once a day for the first week and at least once a week for the rest of the first month, more often is better. Make sure to brush the entire plaster surface. Brush from the top of the walls down and from the shallow to the deep end to knock off any loose plaster dust.
Or
-Check all equipment and make sure it's functional.
-Circulate the water, add sequestrant. Run pump 24 hours a day for first week.
-Watch the filter pressure and clean the filter as soon as it rises 20% to 25% over the starting pressure and right after vacuuming. The plaster dust might clog the filter quickly so keep an eye on it and clean the filter as needed.
-After the first 48 hours vacuum daily before brushing using a vacuum head with brushes (such as used in vinyl pools) instead of wheels to prevent marring the plaster. Clean filter after vacuuming.
In either case, discuss start up with your builder to gain a good understanding of to what they will do and what they expect you to do for a good start up.
Also, most plaster manufacturers have start up guidelines on their websites and/or will send you detailed instructions when you register your warranty online.