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Frequently asked questions
At Lillywhite Pools Inc., we provide a range of services including, but not necessarily limited to:
1. Swimming Pool Resurfacing2. Swimming Pool and Backyard Remodeling3. Swimming Pool and Backyard New Builds
4. Hardscaping5. Landscaping6. Equipment Installation and Repair7. BBQ Island and Firepit Construction8. Yard, Deck, and Swimming Pool Lighting9. Custom Water Features
No project is too big or too small for our team. Just reach out, and we will be happy to conduct a thorough consultation and provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your needs.
Clients can easily schedule a free consultation by phone or through our website. Just give us a ring or fill out the contact form, and we'll get back to you promptly to discuss your backyard transformation needs and answer any questions you may have.
We prioritize staying on schedule while ensuring high-quality results. Depending on the complexity of your project, our team will provide a clear timeline that outlines each phase, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the process.
Your new pool finish may look and feel finished on Day 1, but the cement in the finish continues to hydrate and cure for at least 28 days. During this time, the surface is more susceptible to staining, scaling, discoloration, and other issues, making proper water chemistry and consistent brushing especially important.That's why the first 28 days are an important part of protecting your investment. During the start-up period, your pool should be carefully brushed and the water chemistry properly monitored and maintained. Salt systems should remain off, the heater should not be used, and cleaners or wheeled vacuums should not be used. Swimming should also be avoided for the first seven days.The good news is, you don't have to manage the process yourself. We coordinate your 28-day start-up with one of our trusted start-up service providers. They will handle the necessary brushing, water testing, and chemical balancing throughout the curing process, giving you peace of mind while your new pool finish gets the care it needs.After the initial 28 days, proper weekly pool care remains important to keep your finish looking its best and performing well for years to come.
A brown coat is a layer of cement-based material applied to the pool shell to create a fresh, smooth, and properly prepared surface before the new pool finish is installed.Brown coats are especially common—and often necessary—during pool remodeling projects. When old plaster is removed, the underlying pool shell may be uneven, worn, or have areas that need to be rebuilt. Applying a new brown coat creates a clean, consistent surface for the new plaster or pebble finish to bond to.Think of it as preparing the canvas before applying the final finish. It helps create a more uniform surface, addresses imperfections in the existing pool shell, and provides a solid foundation for your new pool finish.Not every remodel requires a brown coat, but when the existing surface or condition of the pool calls for it, it is an important step in creating a long-lasting, beautiful finish.
Plaster day is the final step that transforms your pool from a rough shell into a finished, swimmable surface — and it's one of the most exciting days of your build.
Before the crew arrives:We ask our clients to please move all vehicles out of the driveway to make room for the plaster truck and mixer. Our crew typically arrives between 7:00 and 7:30 AM to begin setup, so having the driveway clear beforehand keeps things moving on schedule.
What happens on-site:Once the crew arrives, they'll do a final prep of the pool surface — cleaning, patching any imperfections, and making sure the shell is ready to bond with the plaster. The plaster itself is mixed on-site in the truck to ensure consistency and proper curing strength, then hand-troweled onto the pool's surface by a skilled crew working quickly and continuously so the finish cures evenly, without cold joints or visible seams.Depending on the size and shape of your pool, application typically takes a few hours.
What happens next depends on your finish:Traditional plaster: We begin filling the pool with water the same day. This is a critical step — plaster left exposed to air for too long can crack or discolor — so the hose will run continuously until the pool reaches the proper water level. Please don't shut it off once it starts.Pebble finish: Your pool will not be filled the same day. Instead, the pebble surface needs to cure overnight, and the following day our crew returns to acid wash the surface — a process that exposes the pebble aggregate and gives it that signature textured, dimensional look. Once the acid wash is complete, we begin filling the pool with water. Because of this extra step, pebble finishes take one day longer to complete than white plaster.
Either way, please keep in mind:Avoid walking on the fresh plaster or letting anyone/anything into the pool during the application and filling process.Plaster day marks the beginning of the 28-day startup process — a critical curing window for your new surface. At this point, our trusted startup vendor takes over to manage water chemistry, brushing, and monitoring throughout the process, ensuring your plaster cures properly and looks its best for years to come.A note on the finish itself:Whether you've chosen a classic white plaster, a pebble finish, or a quartz aggregate, this layer isn't just cosmetic — it's what protects your pool's structure for years to come. Our crews take pride in a smooth, consistent application because it directly affects both the look and the longevity of your pool.
Once your new pool finish is ready, it's important that the pool is filled correctly. A proper fill helps protect the new plaster and prevents problems such as discoloration or a visible "bathtub ring."
When does filling begin?White plaster: Your pool will begin filling the same day it is plastered.Pebble finishes: Your pool will remain empty until the finish has been acid washed the following day. A hose will then be placed in the pool for you to begin filling.
How should I fill the pool?Once the hose is running, do not turn the water off until the water level reaches approximately 3 inches above the plaster. Stopping the fill early can create a visible "bathtub ring" on the pool finish.If the pool is likely to finish filling overnight, simply reduce the water flow before going to bed rather than turning it off completely.In some cases, the spa will fill up on its own, but if that does not happen, wait until the pool is completely full and then move the fill hose to the spa. Do not use a second hose to fill the spa while the pool is filling, as water can overflow from the spa into the pool and potentially cause streaking.
A few important reminders:Do not use the pool's permanent fill line during the initial fill.Do not fill with salt water. Salt can be introduced after the 28-day start-up period is complete.If your home has a water softener system, be sure to shut it off or bypass it before filling. Softened water can negatively affect the plaster's curing process and water chemistry.A small amount of sediment may appear as the pool fills. This is normal and will be addressed during the start-up process.Avoid stopping the fill once it has begun unless specifically instructed to do so.
Once the pool is full, our start-up process will take care of the necessary brushing, water testing, and chemical balancing. Your final start-up service visit will occur approximately 28 days after the plaster date.
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