thanks, i know that it's risky. either way, if it doesn't work, i'm due for a replaster anyhow. and i bypassed the heater (we never use it anyway - had fun cutting and pasting pvc pipes!)
i'd rather take the risk, given that the reward could be my kids without cut up knees and toes.
now, back to the topic's question - anyone seen a low measuring pH 'meter'/ testtube?
i'm off to the gardenshed to find out if my soil pH meter will work in my pool. if not, then i may go hunting at poolstores.