Pool refill

[Niteowl]

I think this might be the closest category to what I need. I was on this group over a year ago and MANY incredible users were helping me to battle the algae in my pool, and trust me it was a battle. No matter what I did, I could not pass the overnight test. I even went as far as breaking out the power washer and scuba gear. I power washed every crack and crevice in the pool, but my pool was just too damaged for me to win that battle. When I bought the house I knew that ALOT of the tiles in the pool were damaged, but had no idea at the time how much that meant. It was a place for algae to hide. 50% of the waterline tile was cracked or missing, many of the tiles on the steps had grout (or whatever is in between them) eroded to the point that there was a crevice going under the time. A year later and 12,000 I have FINALLY been able to afford to refinish the pool. I am going to try to attach some before and after pics. I want to start this off right, in 2 days I will be allowed to refill the pool, what chemicals should I have on hand to be ready to get the balances up. I have lots of chlorine right now and that about all.

 

[Texas Splash]

Quite a transformation. So is your contractor doing ANY start-up for you? That will dictate the advice you get here.

 

[Niteowl]

Start-up, as in? They told me that the coating they put in today needs to dry 24 hours. Tomorrow they are going to acid wash everything and get all of the fixtures reinstalled (main drain, light and jets) then start it filling. As far as I know thats all they are doing, they will be handing it off to me at that point.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hum, okay. Often times the contractor does an initial dose of chems and has certain owner tasks for the first 30 days as part of the warranty. So you might check on that. Now if they just say "see ya!", then the link below will help. Remember the following:
- There is often times a 3-day waiting period before adding chemicals. Double check with the contractor.
- New water has no CYA, so either them (or you) will need to add some. For now I'd recommend an CYA goal of 40, but check with your contractor.
- You will need to balance the FC to the new CYA as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Use liquid chlorine.
- Adjust the pH between 7.2 - 7.8.

Those are usually the most immediate items that require attention, but knowing your TA and CH will also help. So post a full set of results when you can.

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

 

[Niteowl]

They will be back this afternoon and then again tomorrow to finish up, I will ask about the initial dose of chems. I did ask about maintaining the pool to avoid any warranty issues and he pointed to this paragraph on the contract. I read it twice and dont really understand it. Maybe eventually I will.

 

[mknauss]

That paragraph is discussing SI - Saturation Index (aka LSI). A better method of achieving the same thing is CSI -Calcite Saturation Indices.

PoolMath calculates CSI.

CSI and LSI - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Niteowl]

They just confirmed that they won't be adding any chemicals, he suggested that I take a sample to Pinch-a-penny and let them tell me what to put in...lol

 

[mknauss]

To go along with the Pool School article posted by Pat, here is a Wiki article that provides more detail.

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

he suggested that I take a sample to Pinch-a-penny and let them tell me what to put in...lol

 

[Niteowl]

I am reading through the startup guide, I need to see if I can find "sequestrant" to help with iron. I read that I should not shock the pool for 30 days, but I do need to get the CYA up. Will these tabs do that?

 

[reggiehammond]

I am reading through the startup guide, I need to see if I can find "sequestrant" to help with iron. I read that I should not shock the pool for 30 days, but I do need to get the CYA up. Will these tabs do that?

They will, but fairly slowly. You don’t have that time…

If I were you, my first moves would be:
Add granular or liquid CYA, add liquid chlorine, get pH to between 7-8.

 

[Niteowl]

They will, but fairly slowly. You don’t have that time…

If I were you, my first moves would be:
Add granular or liquid CYA, add liquid chlorine, get pH to between 7-8.

Is that Tri-chlor for the CYA? I have plenty of liquid chlorine ready to go. Where should I try to get the CYA to?

 

[reggiehammond]

30ppm minimum; if pool gets full sun all day then 40-50 may be better for you.

 

[Texas Splash]

Where should I try to get the CYA to?

Try Walmart's outdoor/pool section. Also Home Depot and Lowe's usually have some. A couple last options are the pool store or online.

 

[Niteowl]

Try Walmart's outdoor/pool section. Also Home Depot and Lowe's usually have some. A couple last options are the pool store or online.

When I do a search at walmart.com for cya, this is what comes up. Is this what I should be looking for? Verify your identity

 

[setsailsoon]

Nite,

Welcome back! I remember your struggles. Pool looks great, congrats!! Yes, I've used that brand.

Chris

 

[Texas Splash]

I've never seen that brand at the local store and it's a bit costly. My Walmart has the Clorox brand stabilizer.

 

[Texas Splash]

HD and Lowe's have different brands. Just be sure whatever you use the ingredients show Cyanuric Acid at 99-100% pure.

 

[setsailsoon]

CYA used to be widely available and cheaper on the shelf but has gotten a little less available after the Biolab plant in S Louisiana blew up about a year ago. I do what Pat said and just shop for the cheapest that's got no "other ingredients" on the label.

Chris

 

[Niteowl]

The guys that were here today told me that it is not a plaster finish. They called it stonescape, does that change any of this initial procedure?