I had the same problem when we had our floors all sanded and finished with polyurethane. Even though we hung sheets between the rooms, dust got on everything. Use a slightly damp rag and change the cloth frequently. It will be a lot of work. But it will look great when you're done.

Uh oh. Didn't mean to offend. I don't blame it on the HVAC folks. I think they were the ones who originally put the sheet metal coverings over the openings so debris wouldn't fall in. Actually I suspect you are right, the trade(s) that came after made the mess. I was hoping there would be some elegant solution like a gigunda vacuum sucker thing that pulls out the dust. Guess not.

I am in central MD. When we did our pool, they waited to do the plaster until April of the following year. However, they did the gunite, coping and border before December. Let me tell you, even in April, when you're out there brushing the pool twice a day on a 50 degree day you will be cold and your hands will be numb. Enjoy the experience, it's a great time.

First thing is to call your contractor to see what he can do. New plaster needs to be brushed twice a day for at least 2 weeks and hand vacuumed with a brush roller. It's also important to keep your PH level in check since the first few weeks of a new plaster are very important to the lifelong look of the plaster. PH will rise due to the curing of the plaster{up to a year} so you will likely be adding acid daily or a few times a week to keep it in check. Learn about pool chemistry and get a good comprehensive test kit (like Taylor K-2006). Do not use a wire brush or an automatic cleaner with feet (for at least a month) since these can cause divots or tracks in the new plaster. If you have a colored plaster it is more prone to mottling or streaking than white plaster (some mottling is inevitable with all plaster). Good luck