I searched for a thread discussing this but didn't find anything. I apologize if it has already been discussed to exhaustion. My pool is in the process of filling. I know to allow it to fill until all the plaster is covered. Then what? It's a quartzscapes plaster which I want to ensure is exposed as much as possible and also with as little mottling and imperfections as possible. Do I start brushing as soon as it's filled? Also, I'm concerned my pump and equipment has not been installed yet.
Pool is currently filling......now what?!
- Thread starter GeauxTigerz
- Start date
Seeing your question I ran over to the Pool School section where I know I've seen that info...SNAP!
www.troublefreepool.com
Have you ordered your test kit yet? Is the builder coming back to acid wash or anything? Will he be handling the care for any set amount of days??
Maddie
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
Have you ordered your test kit yet? Is the builder coming back to acid wash or anything? Will he be handling the care for any set amount of days??
Maddie
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,530
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The standard answer is to follow the most appropriate startup guide for your finish...
www.troublefreepool.com
Without a pump you cannot start filtering the plaster dust out and keep it from depositing on your finish. Brush as often as you can.
You can add chemicals to the water and stir them in with a pool brush.
When will your builder get your pump and fil running?
Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
Without a pump you cannot start filtering the plaster dust out and keep it from depositing on your finish. Brush as often as you can.
You can add chemicals to the water and stir them in with a pool brush.
When will your builder get your pump and fil running?
Thank you for that link! I'm checking it out now. I haven't ordered a test kit yet. I think the builder is furnishing me with one but I haven't received anything yet. They did the acid wash today and started filling it while I was at work. I'm not sure who is responsible for care initiallySeeing your question I ran over to the Pool School section where I know I've seen that info...SNAP!
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.
Have you ordered your test kit yet? Is the builder coming back to acid wash or anything? Will he be handling the care for any set amount of days??
Maddie
Thank you! I'm about to check that out now! I can brush as often as I need to over the next few days. Does the plaster dust permanently deposit or is it something I can get off and keep off once the pump is installed? I'm not sure when they are supposed to be installed. I'm checking now because from what I'm reading it's appearing they should have been installed before the plasterThe standard answer is to follow the most appropriate startup guide for your finish...
Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading
Without a pump you cannot start filtering the plaster dust out and keep it from depositing on your finish. Brush as often as you can.
You can add chemicals to the water and stir them in with a pool brush.
When will your builder get your pump and fil running?
DO NOT STOP THE WATER FOR ANY REASON BUT TOTALLY FILLED, or your walls can have filling lines in the finish that you don't want.
Don't hold your breath on the cheapie kit the builder gives out. It won't tell you everything we feel you need to know.
I'm partial to the TF-100 kit as it is the best buy. www.tftestkits.net It contains Taylor reagents.
The only test kit with the same amount of testing reagents is the Taylor K2006C But it costs more.
Order one TODAY!
Maddie
Don't hold your breath on the cheapie kit the builder gives out. It won't tell you everything we feel you need to know.
I'm partial to the TF-100 kit as it is the best buy. www.tftestkits.net It contains Taylor reagents.
The only test kit with the same amount of testing reagents is the Taylor K2006C But it costs more.
Order one TODAY!
Maddie
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,530
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Problem is the plaster dust is hardening with the rest of the plaster curing. If it is not filtered out and sits on the surface it will harden there and then needs to be removed by sandpapering the surfaces.
Is there anything I can do to prevent this while waiting for the pump to be installed? How long does the hardening process usually take to occur?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,530
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The plaster will be sufficiently hard once the pool is full of water. However, plaster dust may continue to form for a week or two. Be sure to brush several times daily while plaster dust is present.
It would help knowing the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of your tap water for further advice.
It would help knowing the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of your tap water for further advice.
This was run immediately after filling. I’ve brushed 3 times today and added a sequestering agent
Attachments
Someone mentioned throwing a couple of sump pumps in the pool to keep the water circulating until the equipment is installed and running. Do you think this will help? I’ve been brushing 2-3 times per day as well
I don't think a sump pump will accomplish much of anything, but brushing will.
You should add acid and adjust the pH down to about 7.6 - 7.8. Then add some calcium chloride to increase the hardness level to 250 ppm.
I suggest pushing very hard to get the equipment installed and operating.
You should add acid and adjust the pH down to about 7.6 - 7.8. Then add some calcium chloride to increase the hardness level to 250 ppm.
I suggest pushing very hard to get the equipment installed and operating.
Thank you! I will keep brushing every chance I get. I’m on my way to pick up some acid right now and I’ll grab some CaCl as well. Should I have any issues adding the acid or CaCl without the water actively circulating other than when I’m brushing until the equipment is installed.
Adding those chemicals will be fine as long as you brush after adding them.
Oh, and also add some chlorine of any kind by tomorrow.
Oh, and also add some chlorine of any kind by tomorrow.
mguzzy
Gold Supporter
I have never heard of an installer filling a pool without first installing the equipment. Well maybe the next day but it sounds like you have no idea when they will be doing that. I would be pushing hard to get the equipment installed. In the meantime the only way you can circulate the water is with brushing.. So brush, Brush, BRUSH! and you need Cl in there or it will quickly turn into a green monster... Do you have your own test kit yet? try here: TFTESTkits.net. Also it would be helpful if you put your equipment in your signature (or at least what you think you will be getting). It makes it easier for us to advise you when we can see what you have at a glance... Did I say you need to get the PB to install the equipment, like yesterday!
Thank you for the reply! Yeah I wish I would have known earlier about the correct order of things. I would have told my pb I wanted to wait until after my equipment was installed before scheduling plaster. I added acid today and also added some CaCl. I’m sure I’ll need to add more CaCl tomorrow. I’m hoping to possibly have equipment installed tomorrow depending on whether and availability of the electrician. From what I’m hearing from some local guys, it’s not uncommon to do plaster before equipment in my area but everything I’ve read and all the comments from you guys make me realize it’s obviously not a good idea at all. I’m hoping it doesn’t call any long term issues both aesthetically and structurally to my plaster
And yes I have a tf-100 on the way but have been bringing my water every day for testing at a pool maintenance company a mile from my place
mguzzy
Gold Supporter
Ok! got it.. once you get your kit.. post up your first set of results.. and we will guide you from there. Do you know if your PB will be providing some start up maintenance? many do for the first 30 days to ensure the plaster is within warranty. If not we can walk you through that too.