Closing a recently renovated, re-plastered pool

joecomputr

Member
Oct 2, 2019
5
Southern Maryland
Our 34 year old gunite pool renovation was complete din the last couple of weeks. We are now in the stage where we are brushing 2 or 3 times daily. We expect that to end soon.
My question involves closing. We live where there are freezes. We have always drained a few inches below the skimmers. That leaves the new plaster on our top step, and below the new tile, without water covering it and completely exposed. I don't think that it being dry or near dry over the winter should harm it, but wondering if anyone here has a more educated answer? Our cover is a solid one stretched over the coping to anchors. So it will have the opportunity to be fairly dry.
Thanks!
 
I closed 2 months after I was plastered and did get a ring with that first closing that has slowly faded but is still there. I suggest you keep it open as long as you can.
 
Thanks for the replies. Still not completely sure of exact water lowering level, but the plaster company did say to go with what we've done in the past. Sounds to me like they really don't want to offer an answer.

Now, I have a new question - the plaster company tells me I need to keep the pool running for 30-40 days after plaster was finished and filled - which was Oct 5. They tell me by now the plaster has cured. When I ask why the magical number of 30 days, I get no answer. It's been filled for about 18 days, water is balanced, all numbers are spot on. The leaves are starting to fall more every day and it's becoming more difficult to keep clean. We continue to brush 2x day. Hardly seeing any visible dust when we do. Could the 30 days be so you will continue to brush? No problem if that is what it takes, but it would be nice to have a valid reason of why the 30-40 days. Unfortunately keeping it open all year as others have done is not a real option for us.

Neto - you are in about the same geographic area as us. Have you closed yet?
 
Others may chime in, but a couple reasons for the 30-day rule is to keep water circulating to maintain proper chemistry. Solid water chemistry is very important not only for the first month of curing, but also in preperation for closing in hope to avoid scale. The other part is filtration - to ensure water is moving to capture the dust released from brushing. Of course the amount of dust will be reduced by now, and perhaps so will the amount of brushng, but together I believe those are two important factors.

Joe, don't forget to update your signature so we can see quickly everything about your pool and equipment. :goodjob:
 
30-40 days is to have you continue to manage the pH during the plaster curing process.

Curing plaster raises the water pH. Once you close the pool the pH will continue to rise. You run the risk of scale developing during the winter.

This is all about plaster curing and pH control during the process.
 

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