Drain and refill for plaster pool

BLPT

Active member
May 5, 2024
37
Austin, TX
Pool Size
9000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Please advise on the drain and refill procedure for plaster pool. I want to make sure I'm not overlooking any steps or nuance.

1. Set salt cell to 0%, turn off pumps, turn off autofill.

2. Use submerisible pumps (x2) in deep end to drain pool. Plan is to start the process around 5:30pm. Our backyard is in shade at this point.

3. Rinse filter cartridge.

4. Ledge is 19' x 6'. Would it be a good idea to keep ledge plaster moist during the process with a light sprinkler? Temps range from high's 90's to low's in the 70's.

5. Once drained, begin refilling in deep end. Water hose + autofill.

6. Once filled, should I add water to the filter to help with priming? I remember the start up techs doing something similar. The equipment pad is about 15' away and 4' above pool grade level.

7. Turn on primary pump.

8. Adding chemicals:
Add Calcium? Fill water is ~100ppm. CH was approximately 450ppm four months post fill. Calcium has never been added previously.

Adjust pH and ALK (MA).

Add Chlorine.

Add CYA and borates (after ALK is adjusted?).

Add salt. Turn on salt cell 24 hrs after.

I appreciate the help.
 
Why are you draining?

What model filter pump do you have?

Post pictures of your equipment pad.

Copper. Pentair cartridge filter.
Why are you draining?

What model filter pump do you have?

Post pictures of your equipment pad.

Copper. Pentair cartridge filter 160316.20250404_094850.jpg
 
I was asking about what type pump. Looks like an IntelliFlo. Toss a pail of water into the pump basket, lube the pump lid o-ring with Pool Lube - Further Reading , put the pump lid back on, and your pump should prime fine.

Open your heater bypass to remove the heater restriction from the pump startup.
 
I was asking about what type pump. Looks like an IntelliFlo. Toss a pail of water into the pump basket, lube the pump lid o-ring with Pool Lube - Further Reading , put the pump lid back on, and your pump should prime fine.

Open your heater bypass to remove the heater restriction from the pump startup.
Thank you!

Would it be a good idea to keep ledge plaster moist during the process with a light sprinkler?

Should adding calcium be part of the process? I had planned on adding to reach ~300ppm. First fill we were told calcium didn't need to be added.
 
Would it be a good idea to keep ledge plaster moist during the process with a light sprinkler?

Not necessary but can’t hurt. The plaster on the ledge will not be exposed very long.

Should adding calcium be part of the process? I had planned on adding to reach ~300ppm. First fill we were told calcium didn't need to be added.
250 ppm of calcium is all you need.

Once the pool is filled broadcast calcium chloride on the surface of the pool. Brush around any that settles to the floor.

 
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