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Written by Harry Gordon
Proper Pool Start-Up for New Plaster Finishes
Through years of trial and error, research, testing and input from plaster manufactures and specialty chemical companies the following recommendations have been adopted by most of the pool industry as a standard for fire-ups.
1) Fill pool continuously until water reaches water-line tile. (garden hose works best unless you prefer the bucket method)
2) Starting with a clean filter weather it is a recently cleaned cartridge that is in good condition or a DE or Sand Filter that has been back-washed and ready to go.
3) Start the pool pump/filter remove the timer pins (if applicable) to allow the system to operate continuously.
4) For every 10,000 gallons of pool water volume add a quart of a good quality sequestering agent I personally like "Jacks Magic" they have different products for different applications ie: salt pools vs non-salt pools. Ask your pool supplier for the right application for your pool.
5) In addition to the sequestering agent add a quart of muriatic acid for every 10,000 gallons as well. These chemicals should be added directly to the pool while walking around the perimeter of the pool.
6) Now starting at the tile line with a good nylon 18" wall brush start brushing the pool surface from the tile line down towards the pool floor, overlapping each brush stroke as you work your way around the pool until all the walls have been brushed. Brush any and all steps, swim-outs and ledges as well.
Starting with the shallow end of the pool start brushing the floor towards the deep-end of the pool at this time a cloud of dust should be following each and every brush stroke. Continue brushing the floor until you feel confident you have covered every square foot of pool surface. On the first day the pool is started it is highly recommended that this be done at least twice, once in the morning and again in the evening. Please take note of the filter pressure guage as an indicator as to when the filter needs to be cleaned. Without question you should clean the filter the following morning.
7) 2nd day: Clean filter, Brush, brush, brush. Note we still have not added any other chemicals up to this point. In case you are wondering the purpose behind the sequestering agent and all the acid is the need to help burn the plaster dust off the pool finish by keeping the pool pH and alkalinity on the low end. The dust in of itself will raise the pH and alkalinity over the next couple of days. Especially on Stone and Quartz finishes this is very important as the acid that was added in turn, lowers the pH and alkalinity creating an environment that is difficult for the plaster dust to re-adhere on the finish. We in the industry call this a hot fire-up. By constantly brushing you are getting the dust out into the water where it has less of a chance sticking to the surface and more of a chance of being filtered out.
3) 3rd day: Clean filter, brush, brush. If you have been doing a good job of brushing your little heart out your efforts should be showing yourself the pool is shedding less and less dust at this point. Now you can test the pool for pH, alkalinity, calcium and cyanauric acid. Cyanauric acid aka Stabilizer should be added to the pool, you want to bring the level of stabilizer to around 30 to 50 ppm, prefebly closer to 30. The amount of stabilizer that you add is directly proportational to you pool water volume. See you pool supply dealer for correct dosage. Calcium level should be no higher then 200 ppm for Quartz or Stone Finishes and 250 to 350 ppm for Marcite finishes. If the results of the pH and alkalinity test still show both below normal levels leave it alone do not adjust at this time. You may now add a cup of liquid chlorine for every 10,000 gallons of pool water and let it run through another night.
4) 4th day: Hang in there were almost done payday is coming. At this point the pool should be blue, clear and looking pretty good, today you should give the filter a really good thorough cleaning. If you have a questionable cartridge element or it's at least two years old (existing pools of course) now would be a good time to replace it. DE filters should be split and cleaned (sorry pool terminology again) taken apart and each grid manually cleaned and/or soaked in a filter cleaning solution. (also available at your local pool store) Test and balance the pool alkalinity to about 80-90, pH should be balanced to 7.2.-7.4 a little on the low side is better as the plaster has shed most of its dust at this point but by no means is fully cured. 28 days for the plaster to fully cure is the norm. Over this time you will need to monitor the pH and alkalinity closely as it will tend to climb as the pool finish cures. Adding acid as needed to keep them in check. Chlorine should be 1.0 to 1.5, you may now start brushing the pool on a weekly basis.
5) Get your rubber ducky float out, put the pool furniture back on the deck invite some friends over for a well deserved celebration of having you pool back, looking good and brag about how you mastered the fire-up procedure all by yourself, ENJOY!
What else can I help you with?
Pool Chemicals?
form_title= Pool Chemicals form_header= Keep your pool clean and beautiful with pool chemicals. Do you have a salt water or chlorine pool?*= () Salt () Chlorine What kind of chemicals do you need?*= _ [50] What is the square footage of your pool?*= _ [50] Is your pool above ground or in ground?*= () Above Ground () In Ground
What can be used for chelating a pool with household chemicals?
White vinegar or citric acid can be used as household chelating agents to help remove metal stains from a pool. These chemicals can bind to metal ions and prevent them from staining pool surfaces. Follow manufacturer guidelines and test the water regularly to ensure proper balance.
How do you measure pool chemicals?
Pool chemicals are typically measured using test kits that measure levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other parameters. These test kits can be used by adding water samples from the pool to the kit's testing reagents and following the instructions to determine the chemical levels. Pool owners should regularly test their pool water to ensure it is properly balanced and safe for swimming.
How often should you check pool chemicals?
Pool chemicals should be checked at least once a week during the swimming season. It's also a good idea to check the pool chemicals after heavy rainfall, after a large number of people have used the pool, or if you notice any changes in water clarity or quality.
What chemicals do you use to clean your pool filters?
Common chemicals used to clean pool filters include chlorine, muriatic acid, and specialized filter cleaner solutions. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using these chemicals to ensure effective cleaning and to prevent damage to the filter. Regular maintenance and cleaning of pool filters help maintain water quality and extend the lifespan of the filtration system.
What chemicals can be used to get pool water clear?
Generally,for this purpose chlorine is used.
Are pool chemicals harmful to little children?
Pool chemicals will be harmful to small children if ingested or if they come in contact with the skin at full strength. However, when used at proper levels in a pool they are not harmful. Pool chemicals in water are not harmful to children. Try to keep children from swallowing too much water though. Pool chemicals not stored correctly would be harmful to children, however!
What kind of chemicals can be used in a residential pool?
Chlorine can be used in a residential pool. You can find more information at www.apsp.org/clientresources/documents/ResChem.pdf
Can you put fish in your swiming pool?
No the chemicals used to sanatize the water will kill them
Pool Chemicals?
form_title= Pool Chemicals form_header= Keep your pool clean and beautiful with pool chemicals. Do you have a salt water or chlorine pool?*= () Salt () Chlorine What kind of chemicals do you need?*= _ [50] What is the square footage of your pool?*= _ [50] Is your pool above ground or in ground?*= () Above Ground () In Ground
Is it illegal to add chemicals to a pool while people are in it?
Well, whether it is illegal or not to clean a pool with people in it is unimportant, it is inadvisable considering that most of the chemicals that are added to a pool are hazardous until dissolved in the proper concentrations in the pool. Most of the chemicals used to balance or clean a pool need at least several hours and sometimes up to a day to disperse completely in the pool water. Some of the chemicals are relatively mild like baking soda, but others can be quite deadly to humans such as the chlorine and the acids used to adjust ph. never add shock to a pool when there are people in it. other chemicals should not be added either, even though they may not pose a threat.
Does pool filters take out the chemicals?
Pool filters are designed to remove impurities from the water, such as dirt, leaves, and other debris that can make the water cloudy or dirty. While pool filters can help improve the overall quality of the water, they do not remove all chemicals. Chemicals used in the pool, such as chlorine, are necessary to keep the water clean and safe for swimmers. Therefore, it is important to regularly test the chemical levels in the pool and make adjustments as needed to maintain safe and balanced water chemistry.
What can be used for chelating a pool with household chemicals?
White vinegar or citric acid can be used as household chelating agents to help remove metal stains from a pool. These chemicals can bind to metal ions and prevent them from staining pool surfaces. Follow manufacturer guidelines and test the water regularly to ensure proper balance.
What are 3 house hold objects with the oxidising symbol on?
Bleach, peroxide, swimming pool chemicals that contain chlorine and photographic chemicals used for B&W processing.
How do you measure pool chemicals?
Pool chemicals are typically measured using test kits that measure levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other parameters. These test kits can be used by adding water samples from the pool to the kit's testing reagents and following the instructions to determine the chemical levels. Pool owners should regularly test their pool water to ensure it is properly balanced and safe for swimming.
How often should you check pool chemicals?
Pool chemicals should be checked at least once a week during the swimming season. It's also a good idea to check the pool chemicals after heavy rainfall, after a large number of people have used the pool, or if you notice any changes in water clarity or quality.
Will a filter be enough for a small pool or do you need to add chemicals?
Filters and chemicals work differently. You'll need both. The filter removes particulate from the water, which makes it clear (which makes you happy). The chemicals act by reducing the amount of microorganisms growing in the water. The chemicals work first and the filter sweeps up after them. For a private pool you can use less of the chemicals than are usually used in public pools.
