This was super helpful. As is common our contractor was quick on the sale, then slow on communicating. No instructions after sub contractors finished. Took 2 days to fill our 22,000 gallon pool and then a 3rd day for the hot tub because I was afraid to up the waterfowl they left with. We only have a 2day startup with the pool co. Then we are in our own. Appreciate you!

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to be of help.

Great info wow thanks

Hi, I recently had to replaster my pool...long story, but I used Sider Crete's roll on product which you can administer in a thin layer over existing plaster. It's not a paint, but a cement-based material. After filling the pool back up, (it's pretty small, only about 2,000 gallons) I noticed some trowel marks and efflorescence from my not-so-perfect work, plus a rain shower had left drip marks down the walls from one of the benches. After about a week, I decided to do a no-drain acid wash to see if I could get rid of the discolorations. Essentially, I held the pH down to about 6.8 or a little lower so for a couple of days. The wash worked...not only did it get rid of the efflorescence, it slightly darkened the plaster and made it a more richer blue. Due to another issue with the roll on plaster though, and a rising calcium hardness (500 ppm), I decided to redrain the pool and apply one more layer of plaster. This time, the pool turned out much better and more uniform in color with no efflorescence. It's been about a week and a half and I'm still battling some with trying to get the pH down and steady at about 7.4. My calcium hardness out of the tap was about 100 and now is at 200 ppm in the pool. I've kept the chlorine low, under 1ppm and the alkalinity is between 100-120. My question is I want to try and replicate getting a slightly darker plaster shade again but I'm not sure what caused the big increase in calcium hardness the last time. I've had this issue before with the original plaster. Again long story but at about the 6 month mark, my calcium levels started going up and within about a month or so had risen from roughly 280 to almost 700. There was nothing left to do but partially drain the pool. My plaster contractor swears he did not use more than a pound or so of calcium chloride, or less than 1% when initially pouring the plaster. Although I use liquid chlorine now, before my main't company used tri-chlorine tablets but that was the only source of acid/calcium being added to the water so not sure why calcium levels rose so high back then and again just recently.

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

Hard to say really. A very complicated issue for sure.

Wish I had found this 2 weeks ago 😏 I had to start up my own pool we are 2 weeks in and my pool colors are kinda all over the place. And I noticed it’s still very milky especially after brushing. Yesterday was the 1 clear day but a lot of dust at the bottom

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

Keep vacuuming it up. Eventually you will get all of it out.

@sitagatatupailelei1196

11 ай бұрын

Hope everything went well!

Hi there, I'm a pro in the greater Cincinnati area. I do lots of referral work and subcontracting for a plaster company. I have been doing startups for a couple of years now and I follow just about all of the same guidelines you have outlined so, great info! I recently had a new problem though I have a startup that had a bunch of mud wash in from some bad storms. Can I use a flocculant in week 1? Or should we drain/fill again, while quasi-balancing the water during fill? Just like your info usually, and would be nice to get some advice from another pro.

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

You can floc it and then vacuum to waste. Draining may be a little overkill. The only concern with vacuuming would be the plaster needs to cure for 2 weeks before any wheels are on it - as you know. That would be the only issue.

@djnix1348

3 жыл бұрын

@@SPL thanks so much for the response. I usually dont vac much during startup, but I always use a brush vac head when I do. I was thinking a flocc would be ok, just happy to hear someone agreed. Thanks again!!

Great information I have a question how many weeks should I run the pool 24/7 my start-up the guy said 1 month. I also have an in-floor cleaner. When should I turn it on?

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

1 week is usually fine.

I have a new color plaster pool. When do you adjust water hardness? I live in southern cal. And the water hardness is really high. I'm on my 8 the day.

@SPL

4 жыл бұрын

Usually if it is under 200. But like you say in Ca our water is pretty hard. You probably won't be adjusting the Calcium Hardness up.

When would be the ideal time to add the metal sequester and the scale preventer agents? Any advice would be great, thank you!

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

When the pool is filled for the first time, that is when I add it. So as soon as you can in a new fill.

@closequarters4575

3 жыл бұрын

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL Thank you for the response!

I'm in the process of building a pool.....we have three hose bibs available for filling. Should I put them all in the pool first or put one in the spa while the other two are filling the pool?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

One hose to fill the pool wrapped in a towel is sufficient. Then when filled move it over to the spa. If you want you can use one to fill the spa - just make sure it is wrapped in a towel.

If one of your weekly service customers has their pool replastered does the the plaster company do the startup? Or do you perform the startup if so do you charge extra. Thanks for all your videos they are an amazing resource.

@marcoallende3683

3 жыл бұрын

The plaster company should be doing the start up. Many I've worked for include it in the price and contract out for that. Otherwise they won't honor warranty. Be weary of those that just fill up and leave.

@carlc5748

Жыл бұрын

@@marcoallende3683 Very prevalent here in Arizona, plaster the pool and r-u--n--a--w--a--y!!!

Love the Podcast! How long do you typically wait to add chlorine to a new pool?

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

About 3 days

@wwfera00

2 жыл бұрын

@@SPL why?

On a new pool with SWG, how long should you wait before adding Cyanuric Acid? The pool builder has already put salt in their system and turned on the SWG.

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

You should add it now.

Our builder just positioned the hose in the deep end but didn’t wrap the hose, rather just placed it where the water is splashing into the deep end(suspended in the air). Will that hurt anything ? It is filling now. Also it rained for a while, will that hurt it?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

Could leave some marks. Hard to say until it is filled. Light rain should be fine.

Thanks for the information. Does this apply for pebble finishes? My pool will be filled in a few weeks.

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

It is the same for Pebble as well.

@eescalante68

3 жыл бұрын

@@SPL pool is filling as we speak. Can I subscribe to get help via text? I been in contact w Leslie’s and aware of the scrubbing. Thank you

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

@@eescalante68 You can just email me if you have any issues. david@swimmingpoollearning.com. Use this document to start up your pool correctly: drive.google.com/file/d/1p-VgvgoSWDZS4iar2ctYvSXsvo4ZmomE/view?usp=sharing

You mentioned to not turn on the heater. Unfortunately, our temperatures dropped below freezing for multiple days. After 2 weeks, would it damage the plaster if the heater is turned on just to keep the pool from freezing?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

If it has been a week or two already you should be fine. You have little choice at this point.

Hey my pool was filled 7 days ago and yesterday we had a concrete area done next to it and dirt fell in it. Today we have a bunch of dirt stuck to the deepest end right next to the dirt carrying area. It was the weekend and my pool guy couldn't come. We tried brushing and nothing. Are these stains gonna stay there forever? I am freiking out

@SPL

4 жыл бұрын

It sounds like more than dirt. I wonder if it had some cement in it? This could be a problem. Normally the deck is finished before the pool is filled. You may have to call the builder out on Monday to assess it.

Hello! :) I am 40 days into a brand new pool built with plaster. I've held the pool builder off from starting the salt conversion as all pool companies these days say it's ok to do after 30 days. I'm a little gun shy though. One of your old videos says you should wait 3-6 months. That video was 10 years ago. Does that still hold true today? Should I keep waiting before I start the salt conversion for 3-6 months? What about using my Dolphin pool robot? Again, it's been 40 days now since the pool has been filled and the water balance is hold nice and steady. However, some parts of the pool walls feel super smooth still while other parts feel more textured. I'm afraid that the pool robot going over these very smooth areas in the plaster will leave marks, even 40 days later. Am I overly concerned and I can use the robot or still hold off? If so, how long? Some of these smooth areas may simply stay smooth, no?

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

Wait 60 days at least.

On say a 20,000 gal pool, what is the max amount of acid to add at time, on a pool that is just filled with water. If it is calling for a gallon, is it safe to put that much in?

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

I like adding 1/2 gallon at a time and waiting 2-3 hours to add more - with the pool running.

It has been about 12 days since my new pool has been quartz plastered. I see some slight streaks and blemishes in some areas of the pool, most notably the wet deck and bench. Was this caused by brushing or is it just normal to see this?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

It might be some scale. Try adding a bottle of Easy Care Beautec and continue to brush it.

@cr8zie

3 жыл бұрын

@@SPL Thanks, even this early there can be scaling and calcium buildup?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

@@cr8zie From the initial plastering yes. The dust can settle on the surface.

I have a new build, it looks like the start up was neglected. The pool is about 3 months old, white plaster with rough discoloration in large areas. Would an acid wash fix the discoloration and would you drain or keep pool full and running for an acid wash?

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

That is a tough one. Acid washing such new plaster is probably not the best idea. I would try some topical solutions first. Treat it with the Beautec as described here for at least 1 month before pulling the plug and acid washing it.

@slowloudbangin5155

2 жыл бұрын

@@SPL I have a friend who told me to bypass the heater, set to run for 48 hrs and add about 22 bottles of acid all around the pool. After 48 hrs, brush pool a lot then either drain and do a chemical start up or add a bunch of bicarb then adjust chems and clean filter...

Hi there . I have scheduled this week to plaster my pool but I am a little bit worried because temperatures in the night will be around 35-37f and days 50F Is it safe to plaster it or wait till the temperatures rise a bit ?

@SPL

6 ай бұрын

Needs to be at least 50 degrees out when they start the job. In my opnion.

Hi. My newly plastered pool is 3 days into the traditional start up. I wonder at what point should I add the Easy Care Beautec? Thanks.

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

Add it now.

@new002one

Жыл бұрын

My water level drop close to the edge of skimmer water intake opening, should I add more water to the original 1/4 in below the drain line? Thanks

what about the filter. Doesn't it need to be replaced like after the acid startup? Won't it ruin a filter

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

No it won't

Hi How long i have to wait to add salt after a star up, to a new new blue plaster salt pool....?

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

30 days or longer

Por que los escalones se ven blanquizcos ? Es un nuevo plaster y pareciera que se está despintando. Es culpa del que está limpiando la alberca? Que debo de hacer? Gracias

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

Podría ser solo polvo del nuevo yeso. Haga que su servicio de piscina lo trate y lo cepille muy bien.

How long before you could use a combo brush on the pool?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

Would say wait at least 30-40 days

@jgl4494

3 жыл бұрын

@@SPL thank you!

Dude I have this pool , by last may i add 12 lbs of conditioner , cyanuric. Acid test was 70. Today last day of sept. Cyanuric test is 40. Am i doing something wrong, why is that, please give a hint..... Thanks

@SPL

Жыл бұрын

It could be the product itself. There have been lots of reports of very poor quality Cyanuric acid out there.

So we were told to keep brushing our pool towards the middle for the first 30 days. Now we think dirt settled and stained the middle because the vacuum picked everything up besides patches between the 2 drains on the bottom of the pool. We were told to shock our pool that it might be algae but nothings happening. What should we do now?

@SPL

2 жыл бұрын

Try a bottle of Beautec and then brush the pool aggressively in that area. Give the product about a week to activate. It might loosen the dirt. - My guess it is plaster dust mixed with dirt.

@brianrosado2623

2 жыл бұрын

@@SPL thank you! Ill try that soon

@carlc5748

Жыл бұрын

@@SPL I used the Beautec for a new start up and I was amazed at how well it helped.

We are about a week and a half into our Wet Edge pebble & glass plaster fill. We didn't realize we shouldn't use a brush with metal combined (everyone told us it'd be fine)! Yipes! We'll stop immediately. One problem that we noticed is that some of the plaster is streaky and the pebble isn't as exposed. I suspect it was an overlooked area when it was getting acid etched prior to filling. Is there anything we can do to remove the excess concrete (without draining & re-etching)? Will brushing help knock out the excess concrete or are there extra steps we should do before the curing period ends? TIYA!

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

I would run the pool as much as possible and lower the pH to 7.2 and keep it at 7.0 to 7.2. Add a bottle of the Beautec and keep brushing with a nylon brush. A call to the builder to have him look at it is in order.

@capriceatwell

3 жыл бұрын

@@SPL Thank you so much! We had the thought to maybe get a PVC pipe and run some muriatic acid close to it (since it's heavier than water) and scrub scrub. We did a little test patch and it seemed to work, but there's a lot of excess concrete, so it would be a challenge to do it all over the pool. If we attempted the crazy feat, do you think it would damage the finish to have such a high concentration of muriatic acid on it with water also on it?

@SPL

3 жыл бұрын

@@capriceatwell It wouldn't. Purity Pools makes a device that you probably could use to make the process easier: www.puritypool.com/stainremovers.html

Hello David, we just had our pool re-plastered with a white plaster finish on Monday 6/22. The company we used did a great job and the pool refill went perfect. They used a towel with a bottle on the hose to avoid the marks. However, while brushing at the deep end this afternoon, I noticed a thin mark on the wall about 12” long. I don’t think the hose caused it since it was placed at a different location to where that aforementioned mark is. I’ve contacted the plaster company to see what my options are. Thanks for the great instructional video! Greg

@SPL

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great feedback. They can probably fix it. Seen these plaster guys do slight cosmetic repairs with good success. 👍

How many days you run the pool 24/7 brother?

@SPL

2 ай бұрын

That is not a bad idea. I think the results are much better running 24/7 for the 1st week.

@eduardomartel1530

2 ай бұрын

@@SPL tku soo much bro

Thank you for your pod cast. Last Saturday April 25th the pool company re-palstered our 20,000 gallon pool. I know they poured something in the water but I have no idea what. I've taken 3 readings on the pool on the 29th: PH 8.9 CH:200, TA: 70CYA: 0 CH:0. Then on the 30th I got PH 8.2 , CH : 225, TA: 100, CYA: 0, CH: 0, Early this morning I added 1 Gallon Muriatic acid and 1 gallon liquid chlorine: Water is super cloudy it rained all day yesterday. Tonight I have a PH: 6.8 maybe 7.0 (Pen type PH meter) CH: 200, TA: 60, CYA, 0, CH: 0. I popped a chlorine stick in each skimmer as per pool guys advice. I would appreciate your input on this Its a diamond brite quartz plaster, sand filter. In line chlorinator ( not being used) they told me they woul look after the pool first three weeks. Were hereMonday the 27th and haven't seen them since.

@SPL

4 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't add more thna 1/2 gallon of acid at a time. Would suggest gettin the pH back up to 7.4 as soon as possible to avoid corrosive water. And get the ALK back to 100. You can use Baking Soda or Soda Ash to raise them up.

@Cocora22

4 жыл бұрын

The guys came today and added chlorine pucks to the new chlorinator, added some cya adjuster in granules to a skimmer and broadcasted some granular chlorine of some kind over the top of the water and told me it should be clear by tomorrow. They brushed and left. They did not add soda ash or baking soda, he said since it's new plaster the PH will go up fast.

@imthepoolman5757

2 жыл бұрын

@@Cocora22 how’s your pool doing now ?

For everyone asking questions about start ups. If you aren't npc certified in startups at the minimum.... you probably shouldn't be doing it. Leave it to the pros or run the real risk of completely destroying your new plaster.