Thanks guys. So a couple of things. I do have a SpeedStir.
So I'll use that all the time now wen adding drops.
As for slamming I thought was only if algae is present?
And lastly it CAN use household bleach instead of liquid shock with a SwG? Sounds like it. I don't know why I thought I couldn't. I thought to read it somewhere. My SwG isn't running yet due to low temp. And of the liquid shock we added 4 bottles were older and we think a bit weaker.
Should I just work on getting the chlorine to the right spot first by adding the bleach?
Thank you again.
"Liquid Shock," "Bleach," "Chlorinating Liquid," it's all the same stuff. Sodium Hypochlorite, just different concentrations. Plain Chlorox (DO NOT use any of the scented or splashless varieties) is 8.25%. House brands can be anywhere from 1.5% to 8.25%. If they're ashamed to brag about their strength, you don't want it. Stuff sold for pools is usually 10 or 12.5%. The higher the concentration, the faster it breaks down and loses strength, so look closely at the packaging. If the boxes look old and dusty, skip it. You want fresh stuff.
SLAMming is done any time the water shows high CC, or has algae. You show no CC because there is no FC to react with anything and create it. You don't
have to SLAM. If you don't need it but you SLAM anyway, it just means you'll pass all three tests the first day and be done with it in record time!
You should try to get the pool balanced and clear using bleach before you start messing with salt and starting the SWG. It can't generate enough FC fast enough to get you where you want to be, but it should be able to maintain the levels no problem.
If you take it up to SLAM and the water is clear, there's no CC, and you don't lose any during darkness, you're ready for the next phase. Salt. Maintain FC using bleach until the water is warm enough to start the SWG, then you can raise CYA to recommended levels and play around with SWG percentages. You got the primo test kit and the speedstir, it'll be a piece of cake to keep the water sparkling this year.