I'm still learning myself (i've only had my pool for 4-5 months), however I do believe you do need to brush it a lot while the plaster is curing, as that's when it's most susceptible to permanent stains. However, once the plaster is cured, I think once a week is sufficient. The main reason for brushing at this point is to help prevent the possibility of algae for taking hold anywhere on the surface. This is what i've learned at least.

I have 3M quartz and brushing that first week combined with a low ph really helped expose the crystals. I continued to brush daily for over a month. Now, 6 months later, I brush a couple times a week, but honestly, I don't know why, It's what I thought I was supposed to do, LOL!

Brushing is extremely critical on a new plaster surface. To not do so and ignore because it seems like a waste of time is crazy. If you don't do it, you just purchased the largest hunk of 50 gtit sandpaper known to man. Your job is ruined. Brushing should usually cease shortly after you see no plaster dust in the while doing so. A good rule is 30 days as that is cure time.

Weekly brushing is best to avoid algae. Remember, when you see algae, it has grown to infestation already. Get it while it starts by keeping up on brushing.

You can effectively clean a pool much better with a brush and net most of the times as sweeps don't get the corners too well.

I also wondered about this. Our PB said that we should brush 2 to 3 times a week, if we could, until the plaster had cured in 30 days or so. I brushed diligently but it was never very satisfying, as there was hardly any dust to be seen ever, and no loose pebbles at all! The pool surface is great and there has been no staining.

I did notice that the guy who acid washed our pool (Pebblesheen) worked very hard and carefully for a full day before the pool was filled. Is it possible that he made such a good job of cleaning that there was very little for me to brush?

Thanks for the comments. Repair guy, that was the funniest comment I have seen in a long time. Thanks for the laugh. I plan on continuing to brush until my 30 days are up. PB says 10 days, but I want my surface to be like glass.
Thanks

quote" I want my surface to be like glass. "quote

If this is the case you'll need to hydrosand your pool finish like we do with a Hydrazzo pool plaster.

See ya,
Kelly

Does this also apply for Pebble sheen as that surface is already not technically "smooth".

The purpose for the inital brushings, two to three times a day for the first several weeks, is to get rid of the plaster dust so that it doesn't settle and harden in place -- giving you the sandpaper that Repair Guy mentioned. Your plaster surface will be much smoother if you are diligent about brushing.

It's most critical with plaster interiors. Pebble interiors don't use regular plaster with the stones, so although you will get some dust, it won't be nearly as much.

so does that mean brushing really has no effect on appearance? it is more for just the smoothness of the plaster.

If you have colored plaster and you don't brush, the built-up calcified plaster dust would most likely affect the appearance.

And extending on what Lindsey said, buy a small round corner brush to attach to your pole, to get the plaster dust out of the crevices around benches, steps, etc, where the large brush can't reach. It makes a huge difference. I had one for my spa (when it was curing for the 2nd and third time) but not one for the pool. In those crevices by the pool steps that the big brush couldn't get to very well there is white buildup that does not come off now. It's plaster dust that's cured into the finish. All of the crevices in the spa are dust-free and super-smooth thanks to that little corner brush.

The first week or so (while the water is clearing) it's critical to brush every time you think about it. After that, once a week is fine. Those first few days, the more you brush, the nicer your plaster will be for the long-term.