Hot starts are bad 👎

When it comes to pool startups, the decisions you make in those first few weeks can literally determine whether your plaster lasts 10 years or 20. Yet many pool professionals are still using outdated methods that promise quick results but deliver long-term headaches. In this eye-opening episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, industry expert Andrew breaks down why the popular "hot start" method is actually damaging your pools and what you should be doing instead.

The Hidden Truth About Hot Starts

If you've been in the pool industry for any length of time, you've probably heard of hot starts. But as Andrew explains, this seemingly straightforward term is actually quite problematic:

Hot start is like shock. Meaning it's a vague term. It has no true like parameters. As far as like add this many gallons of acid. A lot of people go to zero alkalinity which has different consequences than doing another type of startup.

— Andrew, Talking Pools Podcast

The hot start method involves adding large amounts of acid to newly plastered pools, effectively burning away the top layer of plaster to expose the surface underneath. While this might give you immediate aesthetic results, Andrew warns that the long-term consequences are severe. The process weakens the plaster's structural integrity and can reduce its lifespan by up to five years.

Think of it this way: you're trading short-term visual appeal for long-term durability. As Andrew puts it, referencing industry expert Kim Skinner's analysis, hot starts can "wipe five years off of the plaster" lifespan. When you consider that quality plaster should last 15-20 years with proper care, losing a quarter of that lifespan is a significant cost.

Understanding Plaster Types and Longevity

Not all plasters are created equal, and understanding the differences is crucial for proper startup procedures. Andrew breaks down the main categories:

• Marble plaster: The softest option, typically lasting around 15 years with proper care
• Quartz plaster: More durable than marble with better longevity
• Pebble plaster: The most durable option for long-term performance

The quality of materials and proper startup procedures can dramatically affect these timelines. Andrew has seen well-maintained plaster last up to 30 years, though he notes that older plaster can develop a porous, pumice-like texture when it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Modern plaster formulations have evolved significantly, incorporating better aggregates and binders that create more durable surfaces. However, these improvements are meaningless if the startup process compromises the plaster's integrity from day one.

The Science Behind Calcium-Based Startups

Instead of acid-based hot starts, Andrew advocates for calcium-based startup methods that work with the plaster's natural chemistry rather than against it:

Calcium is the cure. Calcium is incredibly important. As soon as the water hits the fresh plaster, you want it to not dissolve the fresh calcium hydroxide, which is the most easily dissolvable part of the fresh plaster and therefore it's the first thing to go.

— Andrew, Talking Pools Podcast

The science is straightforward: fresh plaster contains calcium hydroxide, which dissolves easily in water. By maintaining adequate calcium levels from the start, you prevent this dissolution and preserve the plaster's structural integrity. Andrew uses a culinary analogy to explain his philosophy:

Think of it like a fresh, like a really good steak. Anthony Bourdain described the best chefs as the ones who took a really good product and then they just didn't mess it up.

— Andrew, Talking Pools Podcast

This approach requires dissolving calcium in barrels (using melt-resistant containers) and trickle-feeding it into the pool as it fills. The goal is to ensure that the water touching the fresh plaster is already saturated with calcium, preventing it from leaching calcium from the plaster surface.

Proven Startup Procedures That Work

Andrew recommends several established startup procedures that have proven track records:

The NPC (National Plaster Council) Method: This approach uses range-based chemistry principles and provides liability protection through their official documentation. The NPC requires a minimum of 200 ppm calcium, though recent updates have adjusted the timing of calcium additions to be more gradual initially.

The Orenda Startup: This method focuses on LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) principles and typically recommends higher calcium levels than the NPC method. It starts with 100-150 ppm calcium and increases to 200 ppm, with some protocols calling for even higher levels.

The Bicarb Start: Developed by industry veterans Kim Skinner and Q Hales, this older method has stood the test of time and focuses on alkalinity management alongside calcium supplementation.

Regardless of which method you choose, Andrew emphasizes the importance of proper education:

You have to really seek this knowledge out and it requires a lot of reading. Even like Pebble Tech puts out manuals and stuff, you know, chemistry parameters you should follow and startup procedures and stuff.

— Andrew, Talking Pools Podcast

Critical Startup Best Practices

Beyond chemistry, proper startup procedures involve several critical maintenance tasks:

Brushing Protocol: Daily brushing is non-negotiable, with some procedures requiring twice-daily brushing. This prevents calcium buildup and ensures even curing. However, never use steel brushes on fresh plaster, as they create grooves that become algae harbors.

Chemical Timing: Wait 48 hours before adding chlorine to fresh plaster. During this period, there's minimal chlorine demand, and early chlorine addition doesn't provide benefits while potentially interfering with the curing process.

Debris Management: Remove all organic debris by hand or net only. Avoid wheeled vacuum cleaners during the startup period, as they can damage the curing plaster surface.

Documentation: Maintain detailed logs of chemical readings and adjustments. This documentation is crucial for warranty purposes and helps track the startup's progress.

The Professional Advantage

Andrew strongly recommends formal education in startup procedures, highlighting courses from Orenda and the NPC. These programs not only teach proper techniques but also provide important liability protection. The NPC's liability waiver, which Andrew calls a "get out of jail free card," protects professionals from claims related to normal plaster variations and shading.

For pool service professionals, understanding LSI calculations becomes particularly important for fresh plaster applications. While Andrew acknowledges that LSI is "underused in the industry," he emphasizes its critical importance for startup success.

The investment in proper education pays dividends in reduced callbacks, longer plaster life, and satisfied customers. As the industry continues to evolve, professionals who understand and implement proper startup procedures will differentiate themselves from competitors still relying on outdated methods.

Conclusion: Building for the Long Term

The difference between a 10-year plaster failure and a 20-year success story often comes down to those crucial first few weeks after installation. While hot starts might seem like a quick fix for immediate results, they're essentially borrowing from the plaster's future to pay for today's appearance.

Calcium-based startup methods, proper brushing techniques, and adherence to established protocols like those from the NPC or Orenda represent the industry's best practices. These methods require more patience and knowledge, but they deliver superior long-term results that benefit both pool professionals and their customers.

As Andrew emphasizes throughout the episode, the key is education and following proven procedures rather than relying on vague industry terms and outdated practices. By investing in proper startup training and implementing science-based methods, pool professionals can ensure their plaster installations achieve their full potential lifespan while maintaining optimal appearance and performance.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Pool Startups
• 05:30 The Problem with Hot Starts
• 12:15 Understanding Plaster Types
• 18:45 Calcium-Based Startup Methods
• 25:20 NPC and Orenda Procedures
• 32:10 Critical Maintenance Practices
• 38:50 Professional Education and Liability