New pool. This is the first season. In Texas. Approx 17,500 Gal. Chlorine. Motorized cover that stays closed when not being used. Gunite with plaster.
The pool guy who did our startup told me that our new plaster will be acid "thirsty" and as such for the first year, I will probably have to add twice as much acid as I will on following years. He also suggested that because of this, I should make my pH goal to be on the lower end of the normal range...he suggested my target pH be 7.2.
I've found that I'm adding about 1/2 gal of muriatic acid every week. This seems like a LOT of acid, but I also don't have a good reference. I check pH once a week and every time it is usually right at 8.0 or even higher. Add the 1/2 gal, and the next day the pH is usually right around 7.2.
My alkalinity has been staying at around 100 pretty stabile.
So my question is really 2 fold:
1) Is 1/2 gal per week a normal amount for a new plaster pool? I have no good reference....just seems shocking.
2) Assuming the answer to #1 above is "yes, normal", should I change my pH testing to twice a week, which will probably come out to adding 1/4 gallon every 3-4 days. I'm guessing it is better that I try to keep the pH more consistent, rather than swinging from 7.2 to 8.0 and back down to 7.2 on a weekly cycle.....or maybe I'm over thinking it and doing once a week acid add is just fine.
The pool guy who did our startup told me that our new plaster will be acid "thirsty" and as such for the first year, I will probably have to add twice as much acid as I will on following years. He also suggested that because of this, I should make my pH goal to be on the lower end of the normal range...he suggested my target pH be 7.2.
I've found that I'm adding about 1/2 gal of muriatic acid every week. This seems like a LOT of acid, but I also don't have a good reference. I check pH once a week and every time it is usually right at 8.0 or even higher. Add the 1/2 gal, and the next day the pH is usually right around 7.2.
My alkalinity has been staying at around 100 pretty stabile.
So my question is really 2 fold:
1) Is 1/2 gal per week a normal amount for a new plaster pool? I have no good reference....just seems shocking.
2) Assuming the answer to #1 above is "yes, normal", should I change my pH testing to twice a week, which will probably come out to adding 1/4 gallon every 3-4 days. I'm guessing it is better that I try to keep the pH more consistent, rather than swinging from 7.2 to 8.0 and back down to 7.2 on a weekly cycle.....or maybe I'm over thinking it and doing once a week acid add is just fine.
