Hello from Northern Virginia

[Saltwater Money Pit]

Hi everyone, we're waiting for plaster (PebbleSheen) on our new 36x16 salt water pool. While we can't wait to start swimming, we have SO much to learn about owning a pool! Happy to be here and thanks inadvance for your patience with my questions!

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
Since you are ready to plaster - please read these tips based on cumulation of ideas on the forum.

Day of Plaster

• Clean up around the pool area the day before - brush any dirt/mud or debris that could be tracked into the pool during or after plaster
• Verify that the bags of plaster are the proper type and color you selected on morning of plaster.
• Take a sample of the mixture when they are applying it to the pool by pouring some in a small clear plastic cup (good for reference later)
• Do they have all the proper return nozzles and drain covers (type and color) to place after plaster installed
• If you have an in-floor cleaning system be sure to count all of the heads ahead of time and confirm they're all showing before they finish the plaster.
• Have you tested your fill water? Are you filling with softened water or regular tap water or with well water?
• Have your hose ready (and clean) as it will be laying in the pool.
• Tie a sock or cloth around the nozzle so it does not sit on the plaster.
• Put the end of the hose at the lowest part of the pool to avoid channeling in the new plaster. Also, consider tying a plastic jug to the nozzle such that it will float up as the water rises.
• Ensure you take note (or a picture) of your water meter reading before you start to fill
• Be prepared to take note of your water meter as the pool reaches certain levels, i.e bottom of bottom step, top of bottom step, etc. (it helps in the future to know volume of your pool at certain levels - should you ever have to drain portion of it)
• Plan to set an alarm every 4 hours (or so) to ensure hose is still in pool, no debris blew into pool, etc.
• Do NOT stop the flow of water once the pool starts filling as doing so could cause a ring on the new plaster.
• Take a picture of any chemicals they bring on site that they plan to dump in when they start to add water to pool
• Continue to fill pool to center of water tile or center of skimmer. Take picture of water meter at end of fill. Subtract the starting meter reading to give you the total volume of pool and can subtract approximately 80 gals per person to account for bath water, washing, dishwasher, etc. while pool was filling.
• Get clear instructions from PB as what to do the day the pool is full - how often to brush, will the pump be turned on, etc.
• Define with PB when he will be back out to set up water chemistry.

Also read

Start-up New Plaster

The first few months are the most criticle for a newly plastered pool. We're here to share best practices to ensure the plaster will last for many years.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

Congrats on the new project.