BethyM said:
Solar cover will go on asap -- wonder if I can put it on top of the water as it fills
That would make it harder to see when it's done filling, but as long as you're watching it, I don't see why not. It will also keep your chlorine from being consumed as quickly by the sun
I don't really have a problem with ours not having a pad, but doing it over I'm sure it would be better with one. I don't see why they wouldn't respect your wishes. You are paying them to perform a service, it should be done how you want it. Definitely get your sales guy involved. It's their job to make you happy!
Depending on how often you will be able to put in some liquid chlorine, you could always put in a cup every few hours during the day.
Circulation would likely be cut down a bit, but you can run the pump on high with the solar cover on. As long as the edge of it isn't too close to the return and water starts flooding it. My new cover is slightly bigger than the pool by about 6" or so and it can be curled upwards by the return if I was afraid of it starting to get flooded. Honestly though, unless it's blowing all the water on the cover it shouldn't be a problem.
When I mentioned in a PM that you could use tabs for the first few days before your stabilizer has dissolved, that might work better without the cover. If it's covered I don't see why not just use liquid, it's much more precise. And you can practice testing
Also, the water will be plenty cold, so for the first few days you might as well let it gain a small amount of heat. Since they're giving you algaecide there isn't really a reason not to use it (just this once) - follow the directions for the initial dose and most likely before a week has passed you will have your CYA and FC levels where they should be.
If it was me, I would probably cover it and add a cup of liquid chlorine a few times per day while the stabilizer is dissolving. Probably starting at a target of 1-2ppm the first day and ending up with the proper amount per your CYA on day..3 or 4. Gradually adding more FC every day as the CYA goes up (while also maintaining the amount used up).
Here is what my plan would be (for starting up):
Target 40 ppm CYA, FC target would be 5 (assuming heavy usage and plenty of sun I would anticipate 4-5ppm/day, but testing will allow you to develop a good understanding of what your pool needs)
-pool calc shows 113 oz of stabilizer required to reach 40 ppm. Which would be around 7 lbs. I believe your kit comes with a 4.5lb or 5lb jug of stabilizer.
Day 1 - fill a sock with stabilizer and tie it with string (to the railing) hanging it directly in front of the return - I'm guessing a 5lb jug would fill many socks. I'm thinking you would probably hang 2 or 3. Others will likely have a good opinion on the best way to do this. Pool calc shows 44 oz of 6% needed to hit 1ppm with 0 CYA. Which will probably last you hours at best with the cover on. (FC goal 1-2ppm)
So adding it a few times per day would be good. I would try to get in 4 doses on day 1.
Day 2 - As the CYA is dissolving, doubling your FC dosing every day would probably work well. Day 2 add 88 oz of 6%, but only add it half as much, 1 or 2 times. (FC goal 2-3ppm)
Day 3 - Add 176 oz of 6% once or twice. (FC goal 3-4ppm)
Day 4 - Add 88oz of 6% (FC goal 4-5ppm)
Day 5 - If CYA was completed dissolved and you're done adding it by day 3, now much be a good time for your first CYA test
of course this would just be a guideline to use and your test will give you the real consumption and the dosage needed can be calculated. PM me if you want a walk through or even post another thread about starting up. (of course there are plenty of write ups that can be searched for too)
Always remember that nothing has to be super precise. If you need 44oz and think you've added 60, don't worry about it. I use a 64oz plastic cup to measure my chlorine and test a few times a week to make sure my guesstimates are accurate.
(or is that not a milk jug?)
