New build in Atlanta, GA - Nov 24

[ajw22]

Should I be concerned about the temperature? It is unseasonably cold in Atlanta this week and getting down to 23 degrees tonight. Pool is uncovered currently.

Not the best conditions to cure concrete.

You should be watering the gunite and keeping it moist - Watering New Gunite and Concrete - Further Reading

Curing concrete generates heat. I would cover the shell with straw or hay and burlap kept moist. That will keep the shell from freezing as it cures.

 

[ajw22]

How to Cure Concrete in Cold Conditions - Ayres

Concrete curing needs to happen above freezing. By following these steps it's possible to keep concrete above freezing in sub-freezing conditions.

www.ayresassociates.com

Concrete in Cold Weather: Challenges and Best Practices for Curing - SpecChem

Concrete construction doesn't stop when the temperature drops. But cold weather can introduce a host of complications to the concrete curing process. Understanding these challenges and utilizing best practices can ensure the longevity and strength of your concrete work, even in the chilliest...

specchem.com

https://www.concrete.org/Portals/0/Files/PDF/University/306R-16_excerpt.pdf

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

Should I be concerned about the temperature? It is unseasonably cold in Atlanta this week and getting down to 23 degrees tonight. Pool is uncovered currently.

I'm surprised they decided to do shotcrete with temps getting in the 20s overnight and for several days to come. Ours was done at the end of January this year and it wasn't nearly this cold but I had the builder cover the entire shell with plastic to trap the heat overnight which seemed to work well. The temps stayed above freezing in the week following our shotcrete. Do you know who did the shotcrete? Many builders around here use Olympic and they supposedly add something to the mix during cold weather to allow it to cure in lower temps.

Here is one of the articles I referenced when discussing my concerns with our builder when they had originally scheduled our shotcrete earlier in the month when it was colder and I pushed back: https://shotcrete.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2016Spr_NozzlemanKnowledge-Schallom.pdf

 

[lvanpelt]

Working on tile, coping, stone spa surround this week. Getting excited to have my backyard back soon at this point!

 

[kimkats]

Some MAJOR work being done now!!!

 

[lvanpelt]

Between the unusually cold January and a few other snags, we’re getting ready to pebble next Friday. The pool builder is suggesting doing the NPT stonescapes mini pebble on Friday, then acid washing the next week and filling.

2 questions.
1) how long after pebble should you do acid wash and fill?
2) is doing the acid wash a good idea / necessary in the first place?

I’ve read the start up guides so understand the process once it’s filled, but trying to understand before filling what needs to happen. Thanks!!

 

[kimkats]

Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster

There are proper steps to follow for the making of durable pool plaster. There are also improper practices that can lead to early deterioration or discoloration. Following is a ten-point checklist that will help achieve a lasting and discoloration free plaster. 1. The best cement/aggregate...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AndyMac1]

Between the unusually cold January and a few other snags, we’re getting ready to pebble next Friday. The pool builder is suggesting doing the NPT stonescapes mini pebble on Friday, then acid washing the next week and filling.

2 questions.
1) how long after pebble should you do acid wash and fill?
2) is doing the acid wash a good idea / necessary in the first place?t

I’ve read the start up guides so understand the process once it’s filled, but trying to understand before filling what needs to happen. Thanks!!

This is exactly how ours went, pebble, acid wash the next day, and immediately start filling. We also used the same brand of pebble, what color are you going with?

 

[lvanpelt]

This is exactly how ours went, pebble, acid wash the next day, and immediately start filling. We also used the same brand of pebble, what color are you going with?

Ok, sounds like that is our plan as well! We’re going with Tahoe Blue.

 

[lvanpelt]

We’ve got a fence, equipment, and pebble!

 

[suzook]

What's with the black pvc cement??? Looks terrible.

 

[lvanpelt]

What's with the black pvc cement??? Looks terrible.

Hey thanks man!

 

[pjt]

What's the purpose of the check valve between the pump and filter? A 3-way diverter would be ideal there.

They didn't plumb the IntelliChlor cell (or a dummy cell until you're ready for salt). They also didn't install a heater bypass.

 

[lvanpelt]

What's the purpose of the check valve between the pump and filter? A 3-way diverter would be ideal there.

They didn't plumb the IntelliChlor cell (or a dummy cell until you're ready for salt). They also didn't install a heater bypass.

This is helpful, thank you! I snapped the photo before they were totally finished. An intellichlor will be included so will confirm why they didn’t plumb that (builder did mention something was on back order and coming in today). There also should be a heated bypass so they’ll have to fix that. I’ll inquire about the check vs 3 way. Thanks!

 

[lvanpelt]

What's the purpose of the check valve between the pump and filter? A 3-way diverter would be ideal there.

They didn't plumb the IntelliChlor cell (or a dummy cell until you're ready for salt). They also didn't install a heater bypass.

So when I ask about it, can you explain why the 3 way is better than check valve between pump and filter? Thanks!

 

[suzook]

Hey thanks man!

I wasn't trying to be a jerk, but I have seen this black pvc glue on a few of the newer builds. It does look messy, and I am wondering why builders are using it. It almost looks like it could be a slower drying type so its easier to work with. Not sure.
HMMMM, Black glue is supposed to be used on ABS, NOT PVC.

 

[suzook]

So when I ask about it, can you explain why the 3 way is better than check valve between pump and filter? Thanks!

So you can dump water if needed.

 

[pjt]

An intellichlor will be included so will confirm why they didn’t plumb that

That should have been installed when they were building your equipment pad plumbing. If they don't have the cell, they can install a dummy cell.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VU8A1Q

It takes about two minutes to swap the dummy cell with an actual IntelliChlor cell.

There also should be a heated bypass so they’ll have to fix that.

Good. Keep it simple with a 3-way diverter and check valve.

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

So when I ask about it, can you explain why the 3 way is better than check valve between pump and filter? Thanks!

Unless you have special circumstances, a check valve isn't needed there. However, a 3-way diverter gives you the ability to vacuum to waste or quickly pump water out of your pool.

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[lvanpelt]

Ugh. We had an issue with the fill. They didn’t install a fitting for a return (or maybe just the autofill?) and we had a massive storm last night. So mud / clay starting pouring into our pool. Now the PB is saying in need to stop filling, they’ll have to drain pool tomorrow and acid wash again and refill…

I’ve heard to not stop filling once you start, but in this case given they’re re-acid washing, does it really matter?

 

[ajw22]

I’ve heard to not stop filling once you start, but in this case given they’re re-acid washing, does it really matter?

No, it does not matter. The acid wash should get the plaster to all one color again.