My pool is set to be plastered this weekend. We are going with Stonescapes Minipebble. I am planning to do the startup myself and would like to utilize the bicarbonate method from the recommendations I have seen here. I have never done a start-up myself...always just left it to the plaster guy to handle.
My plan is to outline the entire process and hopefully get some feedback from the experts if I miss any steps.
My fill water:
PH - 7.8
FC - 0
CH - 125
TA - 110
According to On Balance's post, 500-125+110=265. To raise my TA to 265, I need to add 130 lbs of bicarb.
Plaster goes in Saturday, acid wash Sunday morning and then begin filling. As the pool is filling I plan to check the TA and PH every few hours to make sure I'm on track. Should I try to keep the TA at 500 the entire fill?
It seems that a higher than usual PH is normal and not a concern(8.2)? Should I attempt to lower as I fill or wait until the pool is full?
In addition to the acid and bicarb, are any other chemical additions recommended? Sequestrant is recommended in this site's startup procedure. Is it needed? if so, which one?
Is there any need for calcium chloride?
Once the pool is full, I will run the pump for at least a week 24/7. Should I keep the pool and spa drains fully open as well as all of the returns so that both bodies of water are continuously circulated?
I plan to brush at least twice a day and test frequently. I will use tricolor tablets in the skimmers on the third day and keep the TA between 200-350. for the first month. I will then lower the PH to 7.6 and the TA to 80 (or lower?). Salt can then be added and I'll install the SWG.
Thanks for any help ahead of time!
My plan is to outline the entire process and hopefully get some feedback from the experts if I miss any steps.
My fill water:
PH - 7.8
FC - 0
CH - 125
TA - 110
According to On Balance's post, 500-125+110=265. To raise my TA to 265, I need to add 130 lbs of bicarb.
Plaster goes in Saturday, acid wash Sunday morning and then begin filling. As the pool is filling I plan to check the TA and PH every few hours to make sure I'm on track. Should I try to keep the TA at 500 the entire fill?
It seems that a higher than usual PH is normal and not a concern(8.2)? Should I attempt to lower as I fill or wait until the pool is full?
In addition to the acid and bicarb, are any other chemical additions recommended? Sequestrant is recommended in this site's startup procedure. Is it needed? if so, which one?
Is there any need for calcium chloride?
Once the pool is full, I will run the pump for at least a week 24/7. Should I keep the pool and spa drains fully open as well as all of the returns so that both bodies of water are continuously circulated?
I plan to brush at least twice a day and test frequently. I will use tricolor tablets in the skimmers on the third day and keep the TA between 200-350. for the first month. I will then lower the PH to 7.6 and the TA to 80 (or lower?). Salt can then be added and I'll install the SWG.
Thanks for any help ahead of time!