Pool start-ups for new and resurfaced pools
A new finish is at its most fragile in the first days after the pool fills. Start-up care keeps the water balanced and the surface brushed while it cures, so small problems don't become stains.
New finishes need care while they cure
Fresh plaster and pebble keep curing after the pool fills. Water that's out of balance during that time can stain the surface and shorten its life.
Filling and running a new pool too fast, or with the wrong chemistry, can damage the finish before anyone swims.
What start-up care includes
Start-up covers the stretch between a finished surface and a pool in regular use.
- Close watch on chemical levels in the first days
- Adjusting the water as it settles
- Brushing the new surface
- Getting the water safe and stable for everyday swimming
Why a new pool gets brushed so often
A fresh plaster finish gives off fine dust as it cures. Brushing keeps it moving to the filter instead of settling on the floor, where it can leave marks.
It's also why the water can look cloudy at first. That usually clears as brushing and filtering do their work.
Plan it with your new finish
Start-up care follows plastering, resurfacing, or a new build, so ask about it when you plan that work. If you're thinking about Microglass too, ask about both at the same visit.
Gio Contreras, a third-generation pool builder, leads our in-house crews. Your estimate is free and done on site.
Why homeowners call Cactus
Third-generation pool builders
Pool building runs in the family. Gio learned it on job sites with his father before starting Cactus.
Our own crews
Our in‑house crews handle the work, with care for the finish and the details underneath.
A clear plan
You see the scope, estimate, and schedule before work begins. Then you have a team you can talk to along the way.
Financing available
Financing options are available through our financing partners. Ask about them at your free consultation.
More ways we can help
Revival Package
Acid wash plus Microglass to brighten a sound but worn finish.
If your plaster or pebble is still sound but looks dull or stained, you may not need a new finish yet. The Revival Package cleans the surface with an acid wash, then seals it with Microglass.
Microglass
A clear sealing coat that helps a new finish resist buildup.
Microglass is a clear coat that goes on after a new finish. It seals the surface and leaves it smooth, so algae and minerals have a hard time holding on.
Pool Remodel
New finish, tile, coping, steps or shape, planned as one project.
Keep the pool you have and change the parts that wore out or never fit how you swim. New finish, tile, edges, steps, or shape, done by our own crews.
Pool Resurfacing
A new interior finish over the pool shell you already have.
When your pool's surface turns rough or blotchy, a new finish fixes it without rebuilding the pool. You pick plaster, quartz, pebble, or mini pebble, and our own crew puts it on.
Pool Tile
New waterline and spa tile in glass, ceramic, porcelain or stone.
Waterline tile takes the worst of the sun and hard water. When it's cracked or crusted with white scale, new tile cleans up the look of the whole pool.
Where we work
We do this work in 18 cities across the Phoenix Valley, from our office on 8940 W Sells Dr.
When can we swim in a newly resurfaced pool?
It depends on the finish and how the water tests in the first days. We'll tell you when the water is balanced and safe for regular use.
Can I do the start-up myself?
You can, but the first weeks are when a mistake does the most harm. Water that's off in this stage can stain or roughen a finish you just paid for.
What happens if start-up is rushed or skipped?
A finish that cures in unbalanced water can stain or wear early. Some of that damage can't be fixed without a new finish.
Does a pebble or quartz finish need start-up care too?
Yes. They cure after the fill just like plaster, so they still need balanced water and brushing in the early days.
How long does start-up last?
The closest attention is in the first days after the fill. The water keeps settling over the next few weeks as the finish cures.
Why does my new pool look cloudy?
Fine dust from a fresh finish can cloud the water early on. Regular brushing and filtering clear it over the first days.
How much does a pool start-up cost?
It depends on your pool and your finish. Ask about it with your resurfacing estimate, which is free and done on site.
What homeowners are saying.
5.0 from 104 Google reviews
Review 1 of 12
Geovani was a super star to work with. His team came in and chipped, hauled and gave our pool a major glow up in record time! Three things come to mind when working with Geovani. 1. Customer satisfaction. We originally picked a tile and when we got it, realized it was not it. We picked a new one and were super pumped when it arrived. He handled the return and that process. He wanted us happy. It felt more than just replacing our pool. He cares about what you want! 2. His pricing and quality. Our pool surface is so smooth. No lumps, bumps and they even added our waterline tile in the steps. It’s a unique and beautiful pool. Can’t believe it’s ours! 3. Communication. I loved communicating in Slack. Genius! 10/10 would recommend. His reviews are legit and should we need his services in the future, we won’t hesitate to reach out. That also includes referrals! Attached before and afters. Aqua azul with coldwater tile for the waterline and we did do a bag of glass beads (had them apply more to the steps for that extra ✨ sparkle!).
L A2 months ago on Google
A free visit. At your pool.
Tell us what you'd like to change. We'll set up a time to meet at your pool and talk it through.
A few details and we'll call you to set up a time.