Contacted PB (prime) and asked for their approach going forward, especially if it’s unlikely to pass inspection.
Startup plaster and chemicals
- Thread starter Poolparty2022
- Start date
Having a sub construct a ‘half moon’ retaining wall this wk. it’s going to be about 3’ high at its peak. Does drainage plumbing need to be considered here?
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Yes, deck drains behind the pool routing water out away or connecting to existing drainage.
They moved fast. Wall almost finished w drains!
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We are very close to the finish line. Fence going in shortly! The permit has exceed the 1 year window and the PB advised they are pursuing a verbal extension with the local permit office. Is this common or should I eat the cost of the $100 extension due to risk?
we postponed plaster due to wrong spillway material and spa coping needing repointing; however, PB has given plaster day chemical instructions and maintenance instructions as follows:
-1 Stain drop in deep end when half full (water truck)
-1 stain drop in shelf when at step level (water truck)
-fill spa with your hose
-4 days after plaster, start brushing
Check ph level 4 days after plaster -bring down ph level (should be high); 7.2 - book explains half gallon/gallon
-add 2 chlorine tablets in each skimmer
-30-40 days out PB will be back out for swcg startup
Also, I have the TFP pro salt test kit ready to go.
-1 Stain drop in deep end when half full (water truck)
-1 stain drop in shelf when at step level (water truck)
-fill spa with your hose
-4 days after plaster, start brushing
Check ph level 4 days after plaster -bring down ph level (should be high); 7.2 - book explains half gallon/gallon
-add 2 chlorine tablets in each skimmer
-30-40 days out PB will be back out for swcg startup
Also, I have the TFP pro salt test kit ready to go.
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Hi! I am just now seeing this build. What a ride you have been on!
I had to jump in on the plaster start up. I have a couple of observations and questions:
Any idea what kind of start up they are doing? Here is a link to a couple of different ones:
www.troublefreepool.com
Brushing of the new plaster should be done right away to keep the plaster dust from settling and adhering to the plaster.
Do you know the brand of plaster you are getting? If so they may have their own start up for the warranty purposes.
I had to jump in on the plaster start up. I have a couple of observations and questions:
any idea what this is? See if you can get the product they use for this.
Any idea what kind of start up they are doing? Here is a link to a couple of different ones:
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
Brushing of the new plaster should be done right away to keep the plaster dust from settling and adhering to the plaster.
Do you know the brand of plaster you are getting? If so they may have their own start up for the warranty purposes.
Water is in! I’ve got the TFP pro salt kit now. Trying to figure out ph the next few days. My spouse is now in charge for 4 days starting Monday.. how can I make this as simple as possible for her? Her days are jammed back already.
Only chemicals added so far were 2 qts all purpose xph (stain drop) during water fill.
Only chemicals added so far were 2 qts all purpose xph (stain drop) during water fill.
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Last edited:
- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,059
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Not sure what that is. I looked it up and all ingredients are "trade secret". I assume some sort of muriatic acid. I suggest not using this product. All you should need right now is chlorine and muriatic acid plus some CYA. Have you taken a full set of tests? Keep in mind TFP works ONLY if you are aware of your correct chemical levels/balance. I would be testing chlorine and pH daily until you have a handle on your pool.
I’ve got the muriatic acid on hand as needed. The builder manual says add no more than 1 gallon per day. Builder said to take water to get tested as well - planning to do that today if I can’t get it from the TFP test kit. Ph reading yesterday was higher than the scale. Is there any reason I shouldn’t start adding it now (plaster is 2 days old)?
- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,059
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Follow your builder startup instructions but you'll use a lot of acid initially. There is no reason at all to go to pool stores for testing. Their tests are not as accurate as your Taylor tests. Test pH several times a day and try to keep it within range. Keep in mind the muriatic acid is very dangerous so handle with care.
Copy that. I just put 1/2 gallon muriatic acid in using a diluted 5 gallon bucket around the deeper end, pool filter running continuously. Will check ph in 4 hrs
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,503
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Pour muriatic acid directly into the pool. The less you handle it, the safer you will be. Stir the water where you poured the acid in with your pool brush.
Check pH in 30 minutes and see if you need another dose. Repeat until you test a pH in the 7s.
Pic attached of test just now. After I did this test, I added the remaining muriatic acid, so total of 1 gallon today.
Attachments
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,503
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is no reason to limit you to 1 gallon of acid per day.
You should not reduce the pH by more then 0.3 in one dose.
For your 14,000 gallon pool that is 20 oz of 31% MA.
Adding 1/2 gallon (64 oz) should lower your pH by 1.1.
Are you using PoolMath to determine the effects of the chemicals you are adding?
Post a complete set of water chemistry…
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Results attached!
FC .5
pH 7.5
TA 30
CH 100
CC .5
CYA 0
I do have CYA on hand now and I’ve connected pool math with logs!
FC .5
pH 7.5
TA 30
CH 100
CC .5
CYA 0
I do have CYA on hand now and I’ve connected pool math with logs!
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,503
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Adding the gallon of acid lowered your TA too much. 30 is not good.
You need to raise your TA to 60-70.
Add 6 pounds of Baking Soda to raise your TA. Each pound of baking soda will raise your TA by 5 ppm.
Watch your TA as you add acid and keep your TA at 60 or higher.
Don't add stabilizer until you get your TA up. CYA is a mild acid and will further lower your pH.
@mknauss
You need to raise your TA to 60-70.
Add 6 pounds of Baking Soda to raise your TA. Each pound of baking soda will raise your TA by 5 ppm.
Watch your TA as you add acid and keep your TA at 60 or higher.
Don't add stabilizer until you get your TA up. CYA is a mild acid and will further lower your pH.
@mknauss
- May 3, 2014
- 58,392
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
@Poolparty2022 Allen has you going in the right direction. Do slow down. No need to make changes so rapidly. Especially pH. Low pH is far more detrimental than high pH.