Hey Guys,
I'm about to have my pool re-plastered and get started running my pool with the BBB method. The current plaster is in rough shape but thats about to change. I have replaced pretty much the whole pumping station (Valves, Pump Motor, Filter and Heater) and gathered a K2006 Testing kit along with a manual vacuum, leaf rake and a pool brush (i have a combo steel/nylon and a nylon whale tale). Right now everything in my pool is out of whack. The CYA is off the charts (>200), the PH is 8 and yesterday it was @ 0 FC (I could list off all the results but its getting re-plastered in a week so it probably doesn't matter) Long story short I'm about to fire my pool guy...
We decided to go with a dark colored QuartzScape from a local pool builder that comes highly recommended. The PB said I need to have someone help me with the initial startup (I need to clarify if he means the entire startup or just the after care) but I think I might be able to handle it myself (If I'm crazy I'm sure I can find a pro) I forgot to ask what startup method he uses but I'll be sure to ask next time we speak.
A little info about the pool:
My pool is an in ground freeform gunite pool, its about ~18k Gallons it has a ~600 Gallon attached spa (I'll use the water meter to get a closer number on the actual capacity once its time to re-fill the pool.)
The Skimmer was replaced ~2 months ago
We're installing a Pentair SMBW 4060 DE Filter tomorrow.
I have a 3/4HP Whisperflo WFE-3 with a brand new motor
Pentair 400k BTU heater
Onto the Questions....
1.) I have a nice commercial grade vacuum with wheels but its too big/unwieldy for steps and in the spa. Anyone have a recommendation for a small vacuum head for the steps/spa?
2.) My Vacuum Hose has a small leak, I can hear it sucking air ever once in a while (its the only piece of workable equipment that came with the pool, everything else was either broken or trashed). Its not bad (ex its not causing the pump to suck a ton of air or anything) is this a big deal or is it safe to ignore for a while?
3.) I know I need to stock up on Bleach and Baking Soda but I have no idea how much to get for an pool roughly my size especially after a fresh re-plaster... If I can avoid any emergency trips to the store that would be nice
4.) What other Chemicals should I have on hand for a freshly plastered pool?
5.) I'm pretty handy and a fast learner but am I crazy to try to tackle startup on my own?
Any suggestions for equipment/tools that will make life easier? Short of a robot (Which I totally want but it was that or live with a 30 year old filter) and a SpeedStir (which is already in the mail) I'm not opposed to throwing a little money at the pool to make life easier when it comes to maintenance.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I'm about to have my pool re-plastered and get started running my pool with the BBB method. The current plaster is in rough shape but thats about to change. I have replaced pretty much the whole pumping station (Valves, Pump Motor, Filter and Heater) and gathered a K2006 Testing kit along with a manual vacuum, leaf rake and a pool brush (i have a combo steel/nylon and a nylon whale tale). Right now everything in my pool is out of whack. The CYA is off the charts (>200), the PH is 8 and yesterday it was @ 0 FC (I could list off all the results but its getting re-plastered in a week so it probably doesn't matter) Long story short I'm about to fire my pool guy...
We decided to go with a dark colored QuartzScape from a local pool builder that comes highly recommended. The PB said I need to have someone help me with the initial startup (I need to clarify if he means the entire startup or just the after care) but I think I might be able to handle it myself (If I'm crazy I'm sure I can find a pro) I forgot to ask what startup method he uses but I'll be sure to ask next time we speak.
A little info about the pool:
My pool is an in ground freeform gunite pool, its about ~18k Gallons it has a ~600 Gallon attached spa (I'll use the water meter to get a closer number on the actual capacity once its time to re-fill the pool.)
The Skimmer was replaced ~2 months ago
We're installing a Pentair SMBW 4060 DE Filter tomorrow.
I have a 3/4HP Whisperflo WFE-3 with a brand new motor
Pentair 400k BTU heater
Onto the Questions....
1.) I have a nice commercial grade vacuum with wheels but its too big/unwieldy for steps and in the spa. Anyone have a recommendation for a small vacuum head for the steps/spa?
2.) My Vacuum Hose has a small leak, I can hear it sucking air ever once in a while (its the only piece of workable equipment that came with the pool, everything else was either broken or trashed). Its not bad (ex its not causing the pump to suck a ton of air or anything) is this a big deal or is it safe to ignore for a while?
3.) I know I need to stock up on Bleach and Baking Soda but I have no idea how much to get for an pool roughly my size especially after a fresh re-plaster... If I can avoid any emergency trips to the store that would be nice
4.) What other Chemicals should I have on hand for a freshly plastered pool?
5.) I'm pretty handy and a fast learner but am I crazy to try to tackle startup on my own?
Any suggestions for equipment/tools that will make life easier? Short of a robot (Which I totally want but it was that or live with a 30 year old filter) and a SpeedStir (which is already in the mail) I'm not opposed to throwing a little money at the pool to make life easier when it comes to maintenance.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.