When to fill a Pool?

If you have a brand new pool or spa, it must typically be filled within 24 hours. You must fill a pool before small hairline cracks form — known in the industry as crazing. Hairline cracks are especially obvious is colored pools. Crazing can also occur if the pool is filled too slowly.

If you have a large pool, have low water pressure, or have a clogged hose, filling your pool may take longer than it should. When we refinish or remodel a pool, we recommend adding water as quickly as possible. In some cases the homeowner must find a secondary source of water, such as a second hose. The sooner you fill a pool, the sooner you can enjoy it!

Pool Popping

Another reason you want to fill a pool as quickly as possible is that an empty pool invites the risk of popping out of the ground. That may be difficult to imagine in California with our current drought problems, but actually the drought increases this risk. The ground is harder, having dried out, and, if we were to get a sudden rainstorm, the water may not be absorbed into the ground as quickly as normal. This could lead to a pool popping.

Do Not Start & Stop Filling

Once you start to fill a pool, water flow must be continuous. Stopping and restarting the fill process can lead to noticeable rings in the pool finish. These cannot be repaired easily if at all. Also, stopping the filling process voids finish warranties on most contracts.

Regular Maintenance

You want to fill a pool until the water reaches the skimmer, about halfway up the tile line. Keeping the pool properly filled ensures that pool equipment can work at optimal levels. If the water line drops too low, you run the risk of damaging pump equipment and exposing the finish to the air, which can cause cracking.
We also recommend regular pool maintenance, where the pool is cleaned and chemical balances are carefully monitored. Avoiding issues like algae growth and phosphate build up will keep you pool sparkling for years to come.