New pool owner - is the water safe?

[mares518]

Hi,
We have a new inground pool and had it filled by a company two days ago. Unfortunately, we have had a slight glitch with our electricity and have not been able to run the filter as of yet. How long is it safe to go in the pool before bacteria begins to grow?

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP

It really isn't very safe at all until you have chlorine in the water. You could potentially add some bleach and stir the water with a couple of canoe paddles to sanitize. The primary risk is transfer of viruses or bacteria from one swimmer to another.

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

What kind of pool is it? Does it have a vinyl liner?

 

[mares518]

No, it is a gunite pool.

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

You should not be swimming in a new gunite pool that was just filled a few days ago...

 

[mares518]

why?

 

[Casey]

I'm not complete sure but I believe it needs time to cure and the finish could be damaged? Someone with more knowledge will be around soon.

 

[Butterfly]

Have you seen this from Pool School? pool-school/pool_plaster_start-up

Welcome to the forum

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

Read this thread:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/so-why-no-swimming-during-plaster-break-in-period-t13968.html

(Took me awhile to find it)

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

If you can figure out a way to get circulation via portable pump or get that filter going.... so that you can monitor your PH levels. This is very imortant at the startup, if the PH goes unchecked it can damage the new surface.

 

[camelai]

What surface does your pool have? Plaster should be brushed three or four times a day the first week or two. No swimming allowed until balanced and plaster dust has stopped being shed off of the surface. Your pool builder or plasterer didn't leave you instructions? What FPM said too about the Ph and you need to be getting the plaster dust out of the water it should never lay on the bottom it will pit your surface.