Extremely acidic (pH 2.2) startup for our resurfaced plaster

[zimitation]

Hello,

We just had the pool in our new home resurfaced with DiamondBrite plaster. The pool builder added around 40 gallons of muriatic acid to our ~20k gallon pool after filling without us noticing, bringing the pH to around 2.2. Since we didn't know he added acid (let alone that much), we've had our pump running for a while. Once I tested the water and realized how acidic it was, I added all the baking soda I had on hand (around 12 lb) to attempt to neutralize the pH and raise the total alkalinity.

I'd appreciate any advice this forum may have on:
1) Is my plan to keep adding baking soda to neutralize while brushing regularly the best course of action? Should I incorporate any soda ash?
2) Will this have done serious damage to the pumps and plumbing? I presume they are not designed to handle that level of acidity.

 

[TinFoilHat]

I can't say about the effects but he was probably trying to offset the huge rise in PH that your new plaster will give you in the beginning.

 

[wireform]

Your heat exchanger in the heater is your biggest problem.

 

[PoolStored]

I'd call your builder. He is doing an acid startup, and you likely just changed the parameters. 40 gallons is A LOT. Are you sure that was 4? Did he not instruct you to brush until the dust is gone, the add the sodium bicarb?

Read acid startup here:

Start-up New Plaster

The first few months are the most criticle for a newly plastered pool. We're here to share best practices to ensure the plaster will last for many years.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[zimitation]

Thank you all! Yes, I've already reached out to the pool builder for his instructions, but he's not been particularly responsive so far and wanted to get opinions from others on the forum. I'll keep an eye on the heater specifically, though we won't be turning it on anytime soon with the new plaster.

 

[mknauss]

I'll keep an eye on the heater specifically, though we won't be turning it on anytime soon with the new plaster.

Welcome to the forum.
The water should not even be flowing through the heater if that acidic. Do not run the pump.