Hello and welcome to TFP! Unfortunately, you've been "pool stored" like the rest of us. Let's cut to the chase:
- Phosphates mean nothing to us really, and those "bags-o-shock" can destroy your water chemistry
- You MUST take charge of your pool! Start by getting the right test kit. Review these:
TFTestkits.net and
Pool School - Test Kits Compared
- Do NOT put anything else in your water except for regular liquid bleach. It's safe, cheap, and has next to no side-effects.
- We really don't know your test levels (pool stores are notoriously wrong), so until you receive your own kit, just add about 1/2 gallon of bleach to the water each evening.
- Be familiar with the following:
Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart
Poolmath calculator
Pool School - Recommended Levels
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals
When you get your test kit, you will need to "SLAM" per
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
Stick with this TFP guidance and you will have great water, but it al starts with the right test kit. Nice to have you with us!
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Also, please add your pool info to your signature by going to the top of the TFP web page (just under the Pool School button) and select "SETTINGS". On the next page look to the left for a menu bar that says, “MY SETTINGS” and go to "EDIT SIGNATURE" to enter your pool and equipment info there. It will help us later.