PH way low on new startup - need help

New member, first post, big problem...

I had my pool resurfaced. Here are the specifics:

In ground shotcrete ~ 12,500 gallons
New Marquis surface: http://www.premixmarbletite.com/prod...es/marquis.htm

Here is where the problem begins. The pool was resurfaced on 19 May. As soon as it was filled with H20 I was walking around the pool and found a soft spot in the dirt (pool pavers not installed yet) near the light. Leak...and it took the pool company three visits and 6 days to fix it (hopefully?). Meanwhile during this 6 days, there were not any chemicals put into the H2O except that which came out of the county water line through our faucet. On the 6th day, the pool company put 10 gallons of Muriatic Acid (seemed an awfull lot) into the pool to stabalize the new resurface and etch the surface to even out the color. This was suppose to be done as soon as the pool was filled but was delayed so that the pool people could get into the pool to make the repairs.

The pool company wants me to add an additional two gallons of Muriatic Acid at this time (I have not yet). So here I am 9 days after the pool was resufaced, and 3 days after the acid was put into the pool. My Ph is somewhere in the basement right now (<<< 6.0). So low in fact that I can't even get the proper reading as the color (deep yellow) is not even on the chart. My new pentair thermometer is now copper colored instead of chrome/ss due to the amount of acid.

This just does not seem right and when I further questioned the pool guy, he told me that it was ok and to not worry about it as it would rise soon. I find this a bit odd and meanwhile my brand new resurface jop is winding up in my DE filter particle by particle (have to clean it everytime I brush the pool - twice a day).

Is this the proper way to start up a newly resurfaced pool and how soon before my family and I are able to get into the pool?

TIA

I'm a newbie myself, however according to the "Beginner's Guide to Pool Chemistry Needs" sticky posting on this site (at http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1113), Muriatic Acid LOWERS Ph. It does not raise it. According to that posting, Borax or Soda Ash raises it.

So, if he did tell you to use Muriatic Acid, maybe he's a newbie as well and you may want to watch out.

I'd let an expert confirm all this though (because as I said, I'm not one). Just wanted to post this before you added it though.

I would be careful not following the companies directions due to warranty issues. You stated in your post that they wanted to etch it? The low PH (acid) will etch the pool if it is down enough.

If you are really concerned, call the person who sold you the resurfacing. Maybe they can tell you why they want the PH so low.