New Kit Owner - First Test Results - Not Good

[Nevets]

Is the pool surface as rough above the waterline as it is underneath?

While your calcium is high, it's not ridiculously high. Many people have succesful operations with Ca in that range. Where the problem (calcification) occurs is if you let the pH run up into the 8's and keep it there for a period of time. Has that been the case?

How old is the finish? Did it used to be smooth?

Thanks for your response.

The pool surface was applied on 19 May 2006. It is rough below the water line. There is no above the waterline as the waterline is level with the center of the new tile that was installed. It was smooth when applied, then there was a large amount of acid added to 'bring out the surface' and was fine before we left on vacation. However, now it is very rough.

The Ph may be the issue as we were on vacation during the first 3 weeks of July and there was no one to monitor the Ph. The Ph was at 7.4 ~ 7.6 when we left but it was at 8+ when we got back so I added acid to lower it back down to the 7.6 level.