Getting ready for first fill and startup

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RocketManTex

Member
Dec 23, 2021
18
Fort Worth, TX
Pool Size
22000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Hi all. We are about to plaster and fill our new owner-built pool later this week. We're super excited, but anxious!

It's gunite, mini pebble, going to be salt after startup. I have a TF-Pro test kit (just arrived). Haven't ordered a pressure side cleaner yet (open to suggestions). Haven't bought a brush or net or any of that yet, either. Open to suggestions on that stuff.

We have zero chemicals and no experience (except hours of reading on TFP, but was focused mostly on pool builds). We plan to test the water from our hose a few times before filling. We hope to take it to the pool store for comparison as well. We plan to have a pressure side cleaner and brush by the time we fill.

What else should we do to prepare?

Thanks!
 
RocketManTex said:
We hope to take it to the pool store for comparison as well.
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No need. It will only add to confusion. You have a great test kit. Trust it, we'll coach you.

You will need at least 3 chemicals after the 3rd day of fill: Liquid chlorine, stabilizer, and muriatic acid. Usually you don't add chemicals until after day 3, so speak to your builder to find out if they will be adding any chemicals during their start up process. If not, then you can expect to need those. You won't add salt for 30 days.

Congrats on the new pool! :swim:
 
Congrats Rocketman !!!


RocketManTex said:
What else should we do to prepare?
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Have 6 gallons of liquid chlorine, one gallon of Muriatic acid, enough CYA to hit 70 per poolmath, enough salt to hit 3200 per poolmath. Unless the PB is handling it as said above.

Protuff makes Nets, Brushes and Poles with lifetime guarantees. From the looks of them, you'll never need said warrantee.
RocketManTex said:
We hope to take it to the pool store for comparison as well
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They are not to touch your water. We will have you knowing more than them, chemistry wise, in about 5 mins.
 
Thanks for the help and suggestions!

I am the builder (we used BYOP), so I plan to handle startup and all the chemicals. I haven't discussed startup with the plaster company, but I anticipate getting some guidelines from them (related to the warranty?).

I won't bother to take my water to the pool store. I know not to really trust them, but figured it would be interesting to compare results.

It's helpful that you suggested specific amounts of chemicals to start off with. That's what I needed.

So...chemical storage? I'm in Fort Worth, TX. I would be curious to hear suggestions and where others in hot climates store their chemicals.
 
RocketManTex said:
So...chemical storage?
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Very easy. For those 3 items above:
- Muriatic acid outside in a secure non-metal bin/container away from kids, pets, and any other chemicals. The heat/cold won't hurt it.
- Liquid chlorine in your laundry room or something similar; nice dry & cool place.
- Stabilizer same as liquid chlorine.
 
Texas Splash said:
Very easy. For those 3 items above:
- Muriatic acid outside in a secure non-metal bin/container away from kids, pets, and any other chemicals. The heat/cold won't hurt it.
- Liquid chlorine in your laundry room or something similar; nice dry & cool place.
- Stabilizer same as liquid chlorine.
Click to expand...
Next project...bigger laundry room. :rolleyes::LOL:
Regarding secure, do you keep yours locked?
Thanks!
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Texas Splash
This startup article mentions using sequestrant as soon as the pool is filled. Any reason not to do that?

The CYA article says if you use the granular form (in a sock in the skimmer basket) you should not clean the filter for a week. During startup, I've read that new plaster can clog filters relatively quickly, so I guess I'll need to clean the filter often at first. Does that mean I should use liquid CYA during startup?

The startup article mentions traditional and acid startup methods. Is the acid method the same as the acid wash mentioned by mini pebble installers?
 
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