Starting soon, Tampa area. - **Build complete!** 4/21
- Thread starter GoDawgs813
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,351
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Pool Plaster Start-up Alternative
Orenda Technologies has recently unveiled a new start-up program that is somewhat similar to the onBalance Bicarb start-up process. Instead of adding sodium bicarbonate, Orenda adds calcium (calcium chloride) to low calcium tap water while filling brand-new plaster pools, which also like the...
www.troublefreepool.com
Thanks for sharing, I've read that thread and familiarized myself with the process. It makes sense to me but I am far from an expert on pool start up. I was wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts on the process?Pool Plaster Start-up Alternative
Orenda Technologies has recently unveiled a new start-up program that is somewhat similar to the onBalance Bicarb start-up process. Instead of adding sodium bicarbonate, Orenda adds calcium (calcium chloride) to low calcium tap water while filling brand-new plaster pools, which also like the...
Nice! It was alot quicker than expected so I was a little apprehensive. Maybe they're finally catching up with the backlog in hillsborough...
TampaKathy
Gold Supporter
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,204
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
onBalance is our and the plaster expert. So his view that it's equivalent to the bi-carb startup method is a good thing, when used in areas where the local water is not already high in calcium. Some folks may have used the method and may reply, but I'd be pretty happy the PB is following this method. Many follow no method, much less a good science based one like this.
Its full! The barrel shut off around 10 pm last night, and the water is surprisingly more clear than I was anticipating it to be.
PB is coming by this morning to get the equipment running and make sure everything is in operational.
Hopefully I can update with some finished pics early next week!
PB is coming by this morning to get the equipment running and make sure everything is in operational.
Hopefully I can update with some finished pics early next week!
Callalilly41
Member
Your pool is looking amazing! That’s the same color shellock we will be using! Our neighbors have the grey shellock for his driveway that’s how we found out about it! Good to know it’s cooler especially here in south FL! Can’t wait for the finished pics!
Definitely much cooler. We have the 24X24 tan shellock and like the look of it.
We've reached the finish line! One last cable needed from Pentair to tie our second pump into the easy touch system but other than that we are swimming!
Overall it was absolutely worth the wait and aggravation and the the best part of it all is the kids love it! A couple more pallets of sod in a few weeks and we'll be back to a dirt-free life! LOL
Our chemicals have been near perfect even with a kids birthday party and heavy rains thanks to the IPS chemical controller. Chlorine and acid use has been much less than we anticipated and the water feels nice and no chlorine side effects. Verdict is still out on the effectiveness of the Ozone generator, but I will update as necessary.
I am also glad we went with a second pump to control the water features while the pool is in spa mode. It's nice to be in the spa and still have the noise of the shear descents and bubblers but be able to turn the deck jets off.
Gas heater will get the spa to 95 degrees in no time, seems to heat about a degree per minute which is awesome!
Also, really glad we went with Shellock, even with the wait it presented. The deck is feels really slip resistant and is the least bit warm even in full Florida sun.
The only thing that is bothersome is the safety fence and how it is installed. There just has to be better way? The post holes and the inserts just seem cheap and flimsy, but the purpose is still the same which matters most.
Lastly, the brushing is almost over as fill day was April 1! I would definitely recommend the Wall Whale brush for anyone nearing completion, it makes brushing so much easier.
Overall it was absolutely worth the wait and aggravation and the the best part of it all is the kids love it! A couple more pallets of sod in a few weeks and we'll be back to a dirt-free life! LOL
Our chemicals have been near perfect even with a kids birthday party and heavy rains thanks to the IPS chemical controller. Chlorine and acid use has been much less than we anticipated and the water feels nice and no chlorine side effects. Verdict is still out on the effectiveness of the Ozone generator, but I will update as necessary.
I am also glad we went with a second pump to control the water features while the pool is in spa mode. It's nice to be in the spa and still have the noise of the shear descents and bubblers but be able to turn the deck jets off.
Gas heater will get the spa to 95 degrees in no time, seems to heat about a degree per minute which is awesome!
Also, really glad we went with Shellock, even with the wait it presented. The deck is feels really slip resistant and is the least bit warm even in full Florida sun.
The only thing that is bothersome is the safety fence and how it is installed. There just has to be better way? The post holes and the inserts just seem cheap and flimsy, but the purpose is still the same which matters most.
Lastly, the brushing is almost over as fill day was April 1! I would definitely recommend the Wall Whale brush for anyone nearing completion, it makes brushing so much easier.
poolnoobgrandma
Gold Supporter
- Sep 15, 2018
- 938
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite Pro (T-15)
Nice! Mind me asking about the AstroTurf you have? I'll DM you.
Nice but I'd rather have the complete pool area gated so when you're in the pool you're not fenced into the pool itself. I know it's removable but it also creates another pool chore.
We thought about that but we would still need the safety fence for the kids to block off the pool. With two under 4 yrs old and another due in October( 3rd girl!), we much preferred the safety over the aesthetics and the entire space is still useable by the kids without fear of them getting into the pool. They can still access the entire yard which we did not want to block off.
The fence also has a gate by the spa and swim shelf for easy access and the entire thing can be removed under 10 minutes. Once they're older, the whole thing will most likely come down for good.
Last edited:
- Oct 16, 2020
- 262
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Hi! I love the pool and surround. Well done. Can you tell me where you got your black/white umbrella? Thanks!