New Plaster startup - Not sure where to go

Cbarber623

Bronze Supporter
Mar 22, 2020
53
Lexington, SC
Pool Size
23000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I'm running out of patience with my pool builder on this plaster startup. I read through all the startup documents and tried to have a conversation about the startup method my builder planned to use. He did not seem too familiar with the startup methods described here, but it's obvious to me he did something along the lines of the acid method. My builder has hired a pool maintenance person who is working on the water. He added 10 gallons 2 days after fill and was brushing about every other day. His plan was slowly going to bring the water back up, but I have yet so see him do any test on the water. He has added some Calcium and he has added some pucks to the skimmers I think twice, but there is nothing currently in there. Builder was also supposed to provide the basic maintenance equipment, but I do not even have a brush yet. I just ordered a protuff pole and sweepease stingray brush. He told me to give him two weeks and he would have the water all set. My family and I left for vacation this past week and I just returned today. Water does not look good. There is plaster dust covering the bottom. I tested water this morning test and get:

FC=0
TA=130
PH=>8.2, but dark pink - I'm thinking 8.3-8.4
CH=250
CYA=0

My thought is to get myself some Calcium Chloride, Muriatic Acid, and liquid chlorine, start following Pool math, make sure it's brushed everyday starting Tuesday when my equipment gets here. Appreciate any advice from the pros in this forum.
 

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How many days since your pool was filled with water?

Your priority is chlorine, chlorine, chlorine!

Keep your pH in the 7's.

Get at least 40 ppm of stabilizer dissolving in the pool using the sock method.

Your CH and TA are fine for the moment.
 
Keep your pH in the 7's, CYA 30-40 ppm, and FC 3-5ppm for the first 28 days then transition to TFP recommendations.
 
Follow the NPT guidelines. PH, alkalinity, Ca hardness and free chlorine levels are critical. They tell you what the correct levels are. Brush the entire pool surface twice a day. You tube is your friend. A lot of videos on how to brush your pool. Vacuum the plaster dust. Your contractor did you no favors. The first 7 days of start up is critical.
 

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