The cover had nothing to do with it. New plaster will raise you pH for the 1st year.

Always pull hydrostatic plugs when emptying a concrete pool.

Do not attempt acid washing if the following is true:

1) You have never done it or seen it done before.
2) You don't have the correct safety gear. Hydrochloric acid is very strong stuff as well as dangerous. It's not easy to do like digging a hole.
3) You are not sure as to the environmental issues you may meet.

I strongly encourage you to hire a company that has experience in caring for concrete pools.

Not a good idea to do it yourself. Most hydrostats are not plugs, they are valves. They press down from the weight of the water and spring up if there is pressure under the pool.

I have noticed it done before. That is why I noticed that they never pulled any plugs. The pool has been emptied on three previous occasions. Once to install a waterfall and twice to be re-plastered and re-tiled. I was successful in getting most of the surface roughness to dissipate by utilizing hydroquest.

I wanted to give the pool (especially the lower area a light muriatic bath to remove the roughness). What I think may have caused the roughness, is that the pool was filled with soft water (The outside spicket was hooked up wrong and off of the water softener). We never noticed the problem until the winter of this year, problem has been fixed.

I understand the professionals that are weary to give advice, I was an electrician for many years and would steer unqualified people away from doing repairs. But I would always guide them with simple do it yourself electrical repairs that could be easily accomplished by any lay man.

Well I am sort of sorry I posted this question, I did not think acid washing a pool was such a highly technical procedure. I do appreciate all of the input given. Regards David.

I would suggest you keep the pool filled and lower your PH below normal and brush the heck out of it for a week. I haven't needed to do it myself, but have seen it suggested to smooth out rough plaster.

Believe it or not, but I tried that. What I am thinking of doing is doing a no drain acid wash by adding muriatic acid to the water. I called two pool companies today and both would not do an acid wash until mid June (water table to high as of now). I may try to do that, and see what happens. I appreciate all the input, the scale is alot better than last year and maybe I will live with it a little bit longer. Regards Dave.