Preventive Maintenance

Brushing (After initial 3 to 4 week break in period)
The brushing of your pool is an important plaster maintenance procedure. Brushing will help keep the surface smooth and free of debris, as well as help prevent metal and minerals from adhering to the surface. Regular brushing will also help prevent "algae blooms". The pool should be thoroughly brushed, vacuumed and backwashed at least once a week.

Water Testing
Consult your Original 7 professional regarding specific recommended testing frequency and levels for you local area, but, for the most part, the following frequencies and levels are recommended:

• PH – 2 times a day / ideal levels – 7.2 to 7.6
• Chlorine – 2 times a day / ideal levels 2 to 3 ppm
• Total Alkalinity – 1 time per week / ideal levels – 80 to 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness – 1 time per month / ideal levels – 200 to 350 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (aka "stabilizer") – 1 time per month – ideal levels 30 to 80ppm

****Calcium hardness and total alkalinity are the most important chemical readings in protecting the investment you have made in your new surface and must always be kept within proper parameters of 200 to 350 ppm for calcium hardness and 80 to 120 ppm for total alkalinity. A low calcium hardness level will cause the water to "demand" calcium – drawing it through the plaster and causing your new plaster surface to pit, peel, etch and create an "alligator like" effect. Calcium Hardness level must be checked once a month, at a minimum, and maintained between the parameters of 200 to 350 ppm at all times to keep our warranty valid. A low total alkalinity can also cause the plaster to "swirl etch" and pit. Total alkalinity must be checked once a week, at a minimum, and maintained between the parameters of 80 to 120 ppm at all times to keep our warranty valid. Recorded readings of each check in the form of your daily pool logs must be accessible immediately if a warranty issue arises.

Stain Preventives

• Add 2 gallons of STAIN FREE per 10,000 gallons of water one time at start up. Pour around sides immediately after the pool has been filled. This complies with the National Plasterers Council recommendations of adding a sequestering agent to ALL pools with new plaster. STAIN FREE will reduce the risk of plaster stains and mottling.

The regular use of stain preventive type chemicals like Original 7's STAIN FREE can greatly reduce the staining effects of the dissolved minerals in your pool water. Only 1 quart per 50,000 gallons of water one time per week will help prevent the development of metal stains

Filtration
Proper filtration is important to the upkeep of your plaster and your pool. Your pool should be filtered daily to insure the removal of dirt and debris as well as to provide adequate circulation. Never allow dirt and debris to remain undisturbed for long periods of time as this will promote discoloration or staining.

NOTE: It would be helpful to mark down your filter's clean operation pressure so that you can easily determine when cleaning is necessary. Generally speaking, the filter will require back washing or cleaning when the pressure is 5-12 pounds over the initial clean starting pressure. This will vary from filter to filter, depending on type and model. Check with your Original 7 representative for the recommended backwash range for your filter.