New Pebble Startup Questions

[aaronleahy]

Hello,
Just finishing up a pool remodel and want to check on what's going on with the pool company since some things are not adding up.

Finish is CLI CrystalStones Smooth pebble.

The plaster company plastered the pool this past Friday, acid washed, pressure washed, and began filling on Saturday.

Sunday the pool was completely filled and I brushed the surface a few times - that was it.

This morning, the pool company came out, brushed, and added about 4 gallons of muriatic acid. Then turned on the pump and told me to keep it running continuously for a few days.

It seems like they are doing an acid start up - which already seems weird since they acid washed the finish prior to filling - but shouldn't the pump and equipment be off now until the PH rises?

I'm also going to order a sequestrant since it seems like they should have given me one to add. Looking at Jack's Magenta, Pink, or Blue.

Any advice anyone can offer would be appreciated! Thank you!

Aaron

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Aaron, have you read these? Also make sure you register your finish with the company online.

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

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

Maddie

 

[aaronleahy]

Thanks Maddie, I have indeed. That's what prompted my question as their practices seem to be contradicting what's posted in the TFP guides.
I also reached out to Jacks Magic and am on the way to pick up some Magenta to get added right away.

My manufacturer recommended startup procedures are below:

https://clindustries.com/MSDS/Start_Up_Procedure.pdf

Current test results:
FC: 0
pH: ~6.6
CH: 170
TA: ?

I was unable to test TA. As soon as I added the 5 drops of R0008 the sample turned immediately red instead of green. I'm assuming my TA is very low.

 

[ajw22]

It seems like they are doing an acid start up - which already seems weird since they acid washed the finish prior to filling -

This thread discussed different start up methods....

Start-up Chemistry for Plaster Pools

The effects of four different chemical startup procedures were studied. the “Acid” startup – where enough acid was added to lower the pH to 4.5 and alkalinity to zero - about 3 gals. of acid per 10,000 gallons of water the “pH-Neutral” startup – which equates to about one gallon of acid is...

www.troublefreepool.com

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

but shouldn't the pump and equipment be off now until the PH rises?

Your heater, if you have one, should be bypassed as low pH can damage the heat exchanger. Pump and filter are not affected by low pH.

 

[aaronleahy]

Allen, That article confirms they have begun an acid startup on this pool. Is there anything I can do to reverse this effect? I don't want to damage the new plaster right off the bat!
The very low PH (I was guessing at 6.5 but it is extremely yellow - likely closer to the 4.5 like the article suggests) and 0 TA seem to indicate this process is well underway already.

Thanks, Aaron

 

[aaronleahy]

Also, the heater is off but not bypassed. I do not have a heater bypass. I mentioned this to the pool company and they stated as long as it remained off it would be fine.

 

[aaronleahy]

I've got PH Increaser and TA Increaser and started with adding a significant amount (40oz) of the PH boost last night to no effect. The color may have gotten very slightly more orange but only barely. I was hoping the PH increaser would also raise my TA but it is reading 0 still. Tested tap water just fine so my reagent is fine.
This morning I went ahead and added the TA increaser to try and get that up and then will add more PH increaser if or as necessary. How long should it take before I see an accurate test on TA? Is this a test and adjust in 1 hour type thing or does it take more time?

Thanks

 

[TampaKathy]

Are you on well water is that why you think you need a sequestrant? I don't think there's harm in using it but if you are not on a well that's probably why they didn't put any in.