New plaster start-up

[SpongeBob]

My pool saga continues. Had the pool replastered in 2021, unfortunately that didn't end well and had to fight with the PB on getting it redone. Finally, last Monday, they came out to resurface the pool. Instead of Blue, as they didn't beleive they could do it right, they suggested just go with plain white. New white plaster looks OK, not the best job I have seen but not as bad as before and atleast it doesn't look tie-dye. Once again, zero communication and asking questions seems to not yeld a response.

I finally got the start-up procedure for the pool a few days after the pool was filled. The PB's instructions where simply, balance the pool, which I have done. My current numbers are, PH 7.4, TA 100, Calcium 340, chlorine, cya etc all 0.

No mention of acid start-up from their email and paste company left zero instructions.

So my next step is read tfp start-up and see what it says. Interesting enough it says, add 3 gallons of acid per 10k water. My PB didn't say anything about acid nor did they do initial start-up so question back to the awesome folks here is, is acid a nice to have or a must have? I'm 3 days in after pool is filled, if it's a must have can I add acid now or have I missed the boat?

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm 3 days in after pool is filled, if it's a must have can I add acid now or have I missed the boat?

Sorry about that experience with the contractor. Sounds like this is a standard plaster job, no pebble or anything like that. Others may reply, but I'm going to tag @onBalance to see what he thinks about a late start-up process. Stand-by ............

 

[onBalance]

It appears you are reading about the acid startup. IMO, that is would be the wrong way to go because adding so much acid would etch your new plaster finish.
With the current water readings you cited, the pool water is perfect as is for startup conditions. Do not acid until the pH climbs to 8.0 and only add enough to lower the pH to 7.6.

You might want to read this post.

The Best Plaster Pool Startup

Additional clarifications on the Bicarb (or Positive CSI) Startup. THE BEST PLASTER POOL START UP How a startup program deals with and prevents the detrimental process of “plaster dust” forming in newly plaster pools is the key in helping to preserve a quality plaster finish that will last 20+...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[SpongeBob]

Thank you so much for the insight. Very much appreciated.

 

[SpongeBob]

This time around I have noticed very little plaster dust as compared to the first time. For comparisons, original replastered with blue dye, I had a lot of plaster dust, had to clean the DE 60 filter almost every other day and it would clog a lot. PH was very difficult to balance and pretty much since then I have had to dump acid in almost daily as the PH would rise by 0.8 in 8 ish hours and this was the case 4, 8, 12 months later. Left me scared, I hear people talk about oh we only add acid every so often but not in my case. Even after two drain and refills balancing the pool has been problematic. I shouls have bought stock in whoever makes Acid. I'm wondering if the dye is reason for this.

With the new plaster, PH is pretty stable. I mean adding calcium and CYA has had some effect on it but really it's been really stable and predictable. Plaster dust has been non-existent as well compared to previous replaster. Filter pressure has jumped from 8 to 12 but that is about it. Im gonna clean it out today just to get ride of the existing dust from day one but it's been really low on dust.

So I would say so far so good.