Re: Plaster Brushing
New plaster start-up is one of the most critical times for plaster. It is important that it be done correctly. The builder should be out as soon as the pool is full. The builder should be advising you on the things you should, and should not, be doing. If anything goes wrong you don't want the PB to be able to claim that you did anything wrong. Consult them frequently. Get their approval for everything that you do. Keep good written notes of all instructions. The builder should include service for at least the first two weeks to make sure that the initial process is done properly. They should include thorough training and instructions.
Daily testing of chlorine, pH, alkalinity and calcium is very important. You should keep a log of all readings and of all chemical additions. The PB should advise you at what levels you need to maintain. Your log will help you prove that you maintained the proper levels if it ever becomes an issue. It will also help you see how and why the levels change over time. After you begin to see that your alkalinity and calcium are staying stable you can begin testing them less frequently, but not less than once a week. While it is important to test your own chemicals, it is also important to have the builder test them periodically for warranty purposes. Keep their written reports on the water test results.
I think that it is important to run the filter 24/7 at least for the first few months, and brush with a nylon bristle brush as needed. Do not use a stainless steel bristle brush. The plaster is still curing for several weeks after being installed and must be treated carefully. Brush at least twice per day to prevent the plaster dust from scaling on surfaces.
I think that you should get your saturation index as close to 0.0 as possible, without going over, after the first 30 days. For the first few months, the pH, alkalinity and calcium will be raised by the fresh plaster and that could cause the SI to go over 0.0, if you're not careful.
***Note by SeanB*** - let's not over complicate things int he Getting Started forum. The chemical equation only complicates things, does nothing to actually aid the OP and is certain to derail this thread off to the deep end! Be sure to take into account the amount of expected rise before adding anything. You can expect continuous pH rise due to plaster dust which is caused by calcium hydroxide combining with bicarbonates to form calcium carbonate and hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide + bicarbonate <--> Calcium Carbonate + water + hydroxide.
Ca(OH)2 + HCO3- <--> CaCO3 + H2O + OH-
Avoid going positive on the SI to avoid scaling. It is better to stay slightly negative for the first 90 days to avoid scaling.
Balancing the SI, after the first 30, days will reduce the pH rise by reducing the water's ability to pull calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide out of the plaster. Your chemical logs and the Pool Builder will help you determine the expected rise. Add chemicals in small doses to avoid adding too much of anything. It is also important not to go positive on the SI during the first 90 days to avoid scaling. Balancing the SI needs to take into account the expected calcium levels in the next 90 days. During the initial start-up procedure your pH, alkalinity and calcium should be kept low to avoid problems.
As soon as possible can you post a full set of chemical readings for your pool and for your fill water? It is important that you test for iron and other metals and manage them properly to avoid staining. The ozonator can cause iron to precipitate out if the iron has not been properly managed. Do not use it for at least the first 15 days.
Do not broadcast any chemical. All chemicals should be fully dissolved before addition. Chemicals should not be added through the skimmer due to the heater. It has a copper or copper/nickel heat exchanger that can be damaged. Do not shock the pool; add chlorine slowly.
Notes:
1) Do not add any cyanuric for the first 10 days.
2) Do not add more than 20 ppm of cyanuric for day 10 through 30
3) Do not vacuum with a wheeled vacuum for at least 20 days. Only use a vacuum that has brushes on the bottom. You may want to vacuum to waste to avoid having the plaster dust go into your filter, and usually through your filter right back into the pool.
4) Do not run the heater for the first 20 days.
5) Do not shock. Add chlorine slowly and carefully.
6) Do not use calcium hypochlorite.
7) Do not add salt for the first 30 days.
8) Use a sequestering agent to help prevent stains and to prevent plaster dust from bonding to your fresh plaster.
9) Do not use sodium bisulphate.
Good luck; and keep us posted.
