How long to wait before swimming?

[candycpw]

Hi, I am new, so nice to meet you everyone! My contractor just replaced a vinyl liner in our inground pool. There was some resurfacing done. He said to wait 24 hrs. before swimming? Is this long enough? Also there are many indentations in the bottom which are only apparent at night when you turn the light on. What is that caused by? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Candy

[Poconos]

Welcome to the forum Candy. When the lighting is just right, especially at night, all kinds of imperfections become visible as you found out. They look much worse than they are so I'd ignore them. Almost impossible to get a flat, smooth surface. As for when to swim was he referring to waiting for the resurfacing to set or was he referring to the water quality? If it's the water and it was clean then just get the chemistry right and jump in. There's loads of info in the chemistry forums so check there. If you used stream or pond water to fill then by all means shock it for a few days, unless you swam in the source beforehand and know it's OK. I use stream water exclusively to top off.
Al

[candycpw]

He was referring to waiting for the resurfacing to set. He said 24 hrs. Is that about right? Thanks Candy

[aylad]

That's why my original pool installer said, too. But as Poconos pointed out, you're still going to have some footprints, "heel marks", etc that will be obvious at night when the pool is lit up, even after the 24 hours.. NOt much you can do about them.

Janet

[Watermom]

Jan and Al are right and not much you can do about them and it won't take away from the enjoyment you will get from your pool.

But, I understand being concerned about the imperfections. Kind of like having babies. Especially with the first one, you want (and expect ) that everything about it will be perfect. It's never gonna wear anything other than a precious little Gymboree outfit and your baby will never wear a stained bib or a stained onesie, etc. Yeah, right. Maybe that will be true the first week. But, after that, EVERYTHING will have stains and you'll be so tired that you won't care. Been there, done that. Three times, although after the first baby, you know upfront that there is no such thing as perfection.

Same with this brand new pool -- your baby. It's gonna be ok.

[candycpw]

Thanks to everyone for all of their replies. I am just going to enjoy my pool and not worry about the imperfections. Besides the only time you can see them is at night when the pool light is on. During the day they are virtually invisible. I love this site! It is so helpful. Thanks again, Candy

[CarlD]

He just needed 24 hours to get outta town when you saw all the footprints!

While it's impossible to leave NO marks, some guys are worse than others. The guys who did our original liner left only a few marks. Unfortunately, 10 days after the install a seam on the liner failed....The liner company paid to have a new one installed but insisted on using local guys--they did the UGLIEST installation in the universe and I've had to put up with it for 8 years as the second liner was much better made. You can see the footprints in the sunlight!

[candycpw]

Okay, I felt a lot better until I read that!

[Watermom]

It will be fine. Your pool will be a nice relaxing place to cool off in on a hot sunny day. Kids playing, splashing and laughing. Lots of childhood memories being made. Enjoy that pool. And quit looking at all the imperfections. We ALL have imperfections in our pool but it doesn't take away the fun and relaxation. Nobody but you will even know they are there unless you point them out. So forget about them. Go swim and have fun! That's an order from "Mom."

[candycpw]

Thanks Watermom, I'll do just that! Candy