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start-up questions

14 years ago

We made it! Pool "opened" on Friday! However, as a first time pool owner, my questions seem endless. My PB will be over this week to give us an orientation but I feel like I'm learning a foreign language! He has the patience of a saint with me but within the first 24 hours, this is what came up:

1. What exactly am I brushing the pool for? 3 weeks of this??? I've read to expose the aggregate. What if I miss a day? What if I miss spots?

2. Are the main drains supposed to really suck up the dirt/dust that I brush towards them? Doesn't seem to be working. Spa is the same way. Vaccuum can't be used for first 3 weeks... why?

3. When I put the system in spa mode, some stuff comes out of the skimmer. It doesn't have a flap... should it?

I find myself worrying that I'm going to break something. In reality, what can I really do that would "hurt" it?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

poolguynj
14 years ago
The finish is undergoing a chemical reaction called hydration. It will bleed off excess no soluble calcium. This is the dust. Turn off the skimmer while brushing and for a 1/2 hour after.

You don't want the excess calcium to harden on the finish or you will see splotches.

The vacuum could potentially suck the plaster from the gunite. The plaster isn't strong enough to withstand the force. The finish is still soft and the wheels can leave impressions in the finish. The same is true for pool sweeps.

Brushing will also help prevent stains from anything that falls in the pool. The fresh finish is at it's most susceptible.

Don't miss spots repeatedly. Don't miss days. You spent how much?

Yes, there should be weirs in the skimmer mouth.

Your pool is an artificial life form. Consider it a newborn and treat it accordingly. Feed it correctly. Test it regularly.

Scott
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almost_there
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Scott! I'm starting to get a rhythm and a routine going... this first 3 weeks is like work :) It will all be worth it in the end!
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tresw
14 years ago
Did your PB talk to you about filter cleaning during this process? The filter will get clogged up with plaster dust pretty quickly, it'll need more frequent cleaning until the water clears up. Regarding missing a day, definitely don't miss a day during the first week and try not to miss a day the 2nd week (although it's not as critical). Did he tell you to brush once or twice a day? We did twice a day for two weeks. It's been a while since we did ours, but I think we turned the skimmers off like Scott suggested to you and we cranked the pump up to high speed to maximize the main drain suction to pull the dust out during brushing. And yes, it is a lot of work, but the maintenance will get a lot easier after you're past this :-)
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