Phase 9 — Start Up • Subcontractor Scope of Work • DIY Pools & Spas

1

Get Ready

Prep & Layout

Confirm electrical is hooked up and breakers are on. Verify GFCI hasn't tripped.

Confirm pool is filled to middle of tile line.

Confirm spa is filled to middle of its tile line.

Confirm autofill is set to maintain proper level (do not engage until pool is fully filled manually).

Confirm light wiring is connected at J-boxes (do not test until water is in pool — lights are water-cooled).

Locate the pump primer port and have a hose ready (or use the equipment-pad hose bib).

Bring nylon brush and pole if homeowner doesn't have one yet.

2

Execute

Prime the main pump: open lid, fill basket with water, secure lid, energize breaker, expect cavitation 1–2 minutes until water flows.

Verify pressure gauge reaches and holds normal range (typically 10–20 psi job-dependent).

Test the gas heater (gas line bleed, ignition cycle) but instruct homeowner not to run for first 30 days.

Test the heat pump circulation but instruct homeowner not to run for first 30 days.

Test all actuators, valves, automation, remote control connectivity.

Test all lights and verify each operates correctly.

Salt system: do not add salt yet. Instruct homeowner to wait per plaster sub's cure recommendation (typically 28 days).

Install skimmer basket and weir gate.

Adjust autofill float to proper waterline.

Provide initial water balance test — calcium hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine. Adjust to cure-friendly targets.

Pool cleaner: do not install yet (cure window). Show homeowner where it lives.

3

Wrap Up

Provide homeowner with a water balance report.

Walk the homeowner through the 30-day do-not list: no heater, no automatic cleaner, brush daily with nylon, keep water above tile line.

Add to the do-not list: no salt for 30 days.

Schedule (or recommend) the 2-week filter clean.

Label every valve and breaker for future reference. Mark any drain-down warning labels (especially if equipment is below pool level).

Recommend a salt-cell winterizing tube for the cold months.

Recommend insulation around hose bibs at the equipment for any homeowner in a freeze area.

Hand off equipment manuals; document equipment model numbers.

Optional