Startup new plaster

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papadoppa

Gold Supporter
Dec 25, 2021
102
Phoenix Arizona
Pool Size
10000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I’ve read the startup methods and the national plaster council methods and I’m worried and a bit confused.

I just had new white basic OG plaster installed today and the pool is filling. The plaster company brought their own sequestration (sp?) and added it almost immediately to the bottom of the pool. Aren’t we supposed to wait til full? Could this cause harm?

Anyways that’s my major concern. Waiting for the pool to fill as I type and can’t wait to start my new pump and whatnot as IMO I’ve achieved something people only dream of-from clearing my property/excavation to fill in 50 days. Feb 3rd to March 25th. The only thing missing is the artificial turf.
 
I’ve got my Ph below 7 (my guess would be 6.9-6.8) but my TA is still 120.

Is it safe to bring ph any lower without damaging the plaster? The plaster was done on Friday.

Thank you
 
papadoppa said:
I’ve got my Ph below 7 (my guess would be 6.9-6.8) but my TA is still 120.

Is it safe to bring ph any lower without damaging the plaster? The plaster was done on Friday.

Thank you
Click to expand...

No, you are driving your CSI the wrong way.

You may be interested in Plaster Installation threads that contains tips like this:
  • The CSI is not applicable to new plaster finishes under 30 days old. It is actually necessary, to achieve a smooth and dense surface, to have about a +0.5 CSI during the first 30 days. This is because the plaster (cement paste) surface contains about 20% calcium hydroxide, which is somewhat soluble in balanced and slightly positive CSI water and can be dissolved away. The plaster surface needs to be "carbonated" before the CSI should be lowered to the acceptable and balanced range. And that generally is achieved during the first month under balanced water.

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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ajw22 said:
No, you are driving your CSI the wrong way.

You may be interested in Plaster Installation threads that contains tips like this:
  • The CSI is not applicable to new plaster finishes under 30 days old. It is actually necessary, to achieve a smooth and dense surface, to have about a +0.5 CSI during the first 30 days. This is because the plaster (cement paste) surface contains about 20% calcium hydroxide, which is somewhat soluble in balanced and slightly positive CSI water and can be dissolved away. The plaster surface needs to be "carbonated" before the CSI should be lowered to the acceptable and balanced range. And that generally is achieved during the first month under balanced water.

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
I think I understand that…might come back with additional questions. I guess the reason I’m befuddled is the plaster company gave me the NPT link to the National Plaster Council’s startup procedure for marble plaster. So 100% ignore that then?
 

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papadoppa said:
I think I understand that…might come back with additional questions. I guess the reason I’m befuddled is the plaster company gave me the NPT link to the National Plaster Council’s startup procedure for marble plaster. So 100% ignore that then?
Click to expand...

I doubt that said to lower your pH below 7.

You need to lean toward the high end of some of the start-up recommendations to keep the CSI up.

I would not say to totally ignore it.

Post your water chemistry..

FC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
WATER TEMP
 
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FC 0
pH 7
TA 130
CH 170
CYA 50
Temp 68*

Edit-the NPC (which is one of the links that you shared) says to get the alkalinity to 80ppm and then raise pH by aeration.
 
papadoppa said:
FC 0
pH 7
TA 130
CH 170
CYA 50
Temp 68*

Edit-the NPC (which is one of the links that you shared) says to get the alkalinity to 80ppm and then raise pH by aeration.
Click to expand...

Your CSI is -0.76 Not what you want.

A pH of 8 gets you to +0.22 that is much better.

pH of 8 and raise CH to 250 gets a CSI of +0.38

pH of 8 and raise CH to 350 gets a CSI of +0.52

You are in a high CH fill w ater area and will; naturally get rising CH so I would not raise your CH much if at all.

At least run your pH between 7.8 and 8.2 and keep a positive CSI. Then maybe raise your CH to 250.
 
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ajw22 said:
Your CSI is -0.76 Not what you want.

A pH of 8 gets you to +0.22 that is much better.

pH of 8 and raise CH to 250 gets a CSI of +0.38

pH of 8 and raise CH to 350 gets a CSI of +0.52

You are in a high CH fill w ater area and will; naturally get rising CH so I would not raise your CH much if at all.

At least run your pH between 7.8 and 8.2 and keep a positive CSI. Then maybe raise your CH to 250.
Click to expand...
Been doing what you said and got my pool sitting at +.19. Added nothing to CH like you suggested. Things sort of evened out and I finally got my FC to 2 which was a slow process. Thanks!
 
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