Came across this site recently looking for info on restarting my 40 year old gunite pool which I had replastered last week. I've owned this pool/home for 16 years and am self taught in pool care/maintenance (and have learned a lot of lessons). Prior to the replastering, I rarely had to adjust pH or TA as they were very constant (got to the point where I only check them once a month). Chemical consumption was 3" tabs, tri-chlor and occasional algeacide.
The only start up instruction from the contractor was brush frequently (which I'm doing) and expect to use a lot of acid. Acid consumption hasn't been that much thus far (one gallon the first day) but for the first few days after filling the pool the chlorine was consumed daily whereupon my local pool store reminded me to add conditioner. So I added 12 pounds of CYA three days ago as recommended (and confirmed by the pool calculator) and now things are stabilizing. pH dropped from 7.5 to 7.2, but is back to 7.4 chlorine is stablilizing (haven't added any in three days), but TA has been creeping up from 100 originally to 140 today. Current numbers (one hour ago) pH 7.4, FC 3.0, TA 140. Water is crystal clear. Not sure what the next step should be. Add baking soda now or wait a few days for the CYA to fully dissolve.
My other decision to make is whether to rebuild my 16 year old Kreepy Krauly, which while finicky has done a great job in keeping the pool clean, or bite the bullet and get a new cleaner. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
The only start up instruction from the contractor was brush frequently (which I'm doing) and expect to use a lot of acid. Acid consumption hasn't been that much thus far (one gallon the first day) but for the first few days after filling the pool the chlorine was consumed daily whereupon my local pool store reminded me to add conditioner. So I added 12 pounds of CYA three days ago as recommended (and confirmed by the pool calculator) and now things are stabilizing. pH dropped from 7.5 to 7.2, but is back to 7.4 chlorine is stablilizing (haven't added any in three days), but TA has been creeping up from 100 originally to 140 today. Current numbers (one hour ago) pH 7.4, FC 3.0, TA 140. Water is crystal clear. Not sure what the next step should be. Add baking soda now or wait a few days for the CYA to fully dissolve.
My other decision to make is whether to rebuild my 16 year old Kreepy Krauly, which while finicky has done a great job in keeping the pool clean, or bite the bullet and get a new cleaner. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
With new plastering, you can expect some pH rising until everything cures. You might want to review the 
