Is my plaster too old?

[timrf79]

My pool and plaster is at least 29 years old (we bought the house with it, i have original drawings (done by hand) and an invoice (done on a type writer) , but the only item dated is an invoice from 92).
The plaster is most likely the original plaster.

There are 3 spots (first 3 pics) that are "very dark" and the last picture is just the general stain in the plaster.

Question:
- Are these just cosmetic or are there other issues?
- Can it be estimated how long i have until I MUST resurface the pool?

 

[ajw22]

Looks pretty good for its age.

If the pool is not leaking water then the things you showed are cosmetic.

The brown stain may be some rusting rebar showing. Eventually when you do replaster that can be cut out and repaired.

No telling how long you can go. Just start saving up now.

Baby the plaster to extend its life. Don't ever let anyone do an acid wash of it. Be very careful if you must drain the pool.

How do you manage your water chemistry?

 

[timrf79]

How do you manage your water chemistry?

Not sure how to answer that.
I test daily for FC and PH.

My CYA is around 50, hence I keep my FC between 4 and 6.
TA is high at 110, trying to get it down, by bringing PH to 7.0 and then let it go up to 8.0
CH is at 450.

 

[ajw22]

What test kit do you use?

Do you track your CSI using PoolMath ?

It is important with your old plaster to not let your CSI get too low.

 

[timrf79]

What test kit do you use?

Do you track your CSI using PoolMath ?

It is important with your old plaster to not let your CSI get too low.

Kit taylor K-2006C (or so)
And yes to pool math
Started taking over my pool maintenance just this month.

On 8/13 I added Calcium Chloride Dihydrate to get the CH level up

 

[ajw22]

You look fine then.

Your CH of 450 is good for your old plaster.

Don't let your CSI drop below -0.3. Your CSI between 0 and +0.2 is ok if you don't have a SWG.

 

[timrf79]

You look fin then.

Your CH of 450 is good for your old plaster.

Don't let your CSI drop below -0.3. Your CSI between 0 and +0.2 is ok if you don't have a SWG.

I was thinking of installing an SWG next month...

 

[ajw22]

I was thinking of installing an SWG next month...

Well then you need to keep your CSI between 0 and -0.2 to prevent scaling int he SWG.

 

[sktn77a]

Your CSI is bouncing around because your pH is bouncing around. I wouldn't obsess over the TA - 110 isn't too bad but you need to get your CSI down some. Try keeping your pH between 7.5 and 7.8 and it should be more stable. Add 1-2 pounds of ascorbic acid and those stains should go away. You'll have to adjust the pH up afterwards.

 

[timrf79]

Where do I find ascorbic acid?

 

[ajw22]

Where do I find ascorbic acid?

Ascorbic Acid Treatment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Where to buy ascorbic acid:

PC NetwoRx Inc.

chemistrystore.com