This is our step by step guide on how to perform an Acid or "Hot" Start Up for plaster surfaces. This will remove plaster dust, allow more control over color/appearance, and help smooth the surface.
IMPORTANT: To achieve the best results from performing this process, follow each step precisely as written and in order. For technical questions, call our customer service hotline at (800) 824-5550.
STEP 1: With the pool equipment turned off (equipment remains off until Step 7 or the pH is 7.2), fill pool as quickly as possible. DO NOT STOP WATER FOR ANY REASON. If there is poor water pressure, ask neighbors to borrow water. Never shoot water directly into the plaster. Aim for the puddle at the bottom of the pool.
STEP 2: Once the pool is full (waterline at the middle of tile or rocks), add (1) 2 lb. bottle of Pool Stain Treat® or Start Up Treat™ to water. Predissolve in a bucket of water and broadcast onto surface of pool water.
STEP 3: Add (1) gallon of Muriatic Acid (31.45%) for every 2,500 gallons of pool water. Alkalinity needs to reach and maintain 0. DO NOT POUR ACID ON STAIRS, STEPS, SWIM OUTS OR SHALLOW AREAS.
STEP 4: Brush pool once daily. Do not vacuum. Do not add chlorine until the water is clear and sediment is gone. If the weather is warm, use a chlorine floater to chlorinate gently. DO NOT SHOCK THE POOL!
STEP 5: Continue curing plaster in the following specified time frames:
White Plaster: 4 to 5 days. When plaster is“slimy” or on the 5th day, go to STEP 6.
Color Plaster/3M/PebbleTec: As soon as plaster turns dark or the intended color immediately go to STEP 6.
STEP 6: Test pool using Base Demand test and calculate the amount of neutralizer needed. Using a 4-5 gallon pail filled with pool water, completely predissolve 1 bag of Easy pH™ in a bucket by stirring and then broadcast into pool. Only add 1 bag per hour. BRUSH POOL IMMEDIATELY. Repeat this process until all the required Easy pH™ has been added. Retest 24 hours later - repeat STEP 6 as necessary.
NOTE: We strongly recommend using Easy pH™ since it contains NO CARBONATES. However, if Easy pH™ is unavailable, you may substitute a bag of Easy pH™ with 1 lb. of generic pH Increaser.
STEP 7: When pH reaches 7.2 or higher, turn on the pump(s) to filter. Backwash filter as needed. If filter system fails, continue to brush and repair equipment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
WARNING! DO NOT SHOCK THE POOL! Chlorinate using small amounts (8 oz. or 1/2 gal. chlorine per 10,000 gal) more frequently (twice per week). Chlorine floaters (for white plaster pools) and automatic chlorinators are recommended. ALWAYS PREDISSOLVE CONDITIONER BEFORE ADDING TO POOL.
We recommend balancing with the Hamilton Index(TM)