New to pool chemistry

[mp257784]

I have a newly constructed pool with pebble finish (one week ago) and I am having difficulty understanding the proper pool chemistry. After running several tests, it indicates that I have a low total alkalinity (40). However, an acid demand test shows I need about 3 qt. of muriatic acid.

From what I've read adding sodium bicarbonate will raise the total alkalinity but the adding additional acid in conjunction with sodium bicarbonate seems counter intuitive.

Why would I need acid and sodium bicarbonate at the same time? Does this have anything to do with the newly curing pebble finish?

 

[woodyp]

New finishes will cause the Ph to rise fairly rapidly until it cures up some. Are you brushing it as well?

 

[pooldv]

Yes to all of that.

It is important to keep your PH at 7.8 or lower at all times. Also, fairly important to keep your TA at 50-60. So, adding MA to lower PH and baking soda to raise TA is fine, even though it is a little counterintuitive. Enter all of your numbers in Poolmath and monitor your CSI score and be sure to keep it between -0.5 and +0.5. Is your CH above 250?

 

[singingpond]

Is your pool builder already leaving management of the chemistry to you at this point? Understanding what's going on is great, but you don't want to ignore the PB's instructions at this point, if there is a warranty involved.

 

[MarianParoo]

Do you have a warranty with the pool builder? If so, you need to keep those conditions in mind.

 

[mp257784]

New finishes will cause the Ph to rise fairly rapidly until it cures up some. Are you brushing it as well?

Yes, I'm brushing. How long would you suggest I brush? Days? Weeks?

 

[singingpond]

Pool School - Start-up New Plaster

May be helpful to you.

 

[mp257784]

Pool School - Start-up New Plaster

May be helpful to you.

I don't have a plaster pool.