Adding acid daily

[chriscard25]

Well hello again all!

It has been many years since I have posted on this site. That is a compliment, as the help on this board resulted in many years of a trouble free pool. In 2010 I purchased a brand new 24” Doughboy and had that pool sparkling for 10 years. And then I moved across country…

To a great home with an in-ground plaster pool. I figured I was a pro at this point. Overconfidence has been my downfall.

I had the pool resurfaced and that was completed 1st week in July. Had a few issues with the pool company that resurfaced, but after about 30 days thought we were in a good place. For the last two weeks I have been adding acid (about a pint) daily. I have been through the process of knocking down the TA, but it persists. This week I set the PH at 7.6 daily, and the next day the color on the testing block is darker than 8.2. I do have a spillway that is always on (plumbed that way, do not get me started), as well as a SWG – so I understand there will be PH drift – but daily?

Latest Numbers:

CH 6

PH 8.2+

ALK 60

CH 475

CYA 70

Salt 4100

I have read that newly plastered pools take a while to settle, but am I missing something? As of now I can’t leave my house for more than a day without asking for help. I appreciate any suggestions.



Thank you!

Chris

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm sure the aeration isn't helping, but the majority of your pH rise is probably attributable to the plaster curing. That can last a few months. Just something that comes with new plaster.

 

[Oly]

Test your fill water for TA and CH.

 

[chriscard25]

Test your fill water for TA and CH.

To be clear, I bypassed my water softener for the initial fill, but use softened water to top off. Which are you interested in?

 

[mknauss]

I do have a spillway that is always on (plumbed that way, do not get me started),

No automation?

 

[Oly]

Do you use an auto fill device or manually top off? Test the water that you use when topping off to compare against your pool water TA and CH. We are looking for everything that may be driving up your pH besides the new plaster and the spillway you mentioned.

 

[chriscard25]

No automation?

I do have automation but this is not currently part of it. It has been a struggle to get people out and the resurface and move cost a bit, so not a big priority at this point.

 

[mknauss]

OK -- normally one uses actuated valves to select between pool and spa mode if they have automation. They can then use Spillover/Spillway to program needed circulation through the spa each day.

 

[chriscard25]

Do you use an auto fill device or manually top off? Test the water that you use when topping off to compare against your pool water TA and CH. We are looking for everything that may be driving up your pH besides the new plaster and the spillway you mentioned.

Pool Water

ALK 60

CH 475

Fill Water

ALK 160

CH 0

Adding an inch a week at most.

Thank you

 

[Oly]

Your fill water TA is similar to mine and will drive your pH up when evaporation is high. My pool is nearly double yours in volume and a 17'X37' rectangle. I too add an inch a week average and calculated that it would raise my pool water TA 5+ppm each week in summer.