Low PH Causes

[mas985]

So I should try to keep my PH at 7.0 or less? I thought this would damage the finish to have a really low PH.

First, as Kurt suggests, talk with your pool builder as to what they recommend/require. You do not want to void any warranties. Also, they should have given you a start up procedure.

Second, if they do suggest a low PH then that is a good thing. This is the way I started my pool but I had a standard plaster finish. Generally, low PH can be damaging to a pool if it is very low << 6.8 or somewhat low and for a fairly long time (months or years?). The 6.8-7.2 PH is only for a week and meant to dissolve some of the plaster dust on the surface and not the surface itself. You should not lose any of the surface in that time frame.

The real problem comes in if the PH is too high. The plaster dust can harden too quickly and then you will have a rough surface to deal with.

The most important thing to do on start up is to brush and remove the plaster dust as quickly as possible. This will ensure a smooth surfaced pool.


oops - posted at the same time. Stick with the documentation.