Hey Leebo!
EVERYTHING is cheaper at Amazon compared to Olivers! They (Olivers) made their last $$$ off of me!
Last year was such a mild winter, especially in Feb and March! Heck - it was in the 80's in March! We did not open the pool until May and I regretted waiting that long. But you never know about this Ohio weather. 2 yrs ago we had 2 feet of snow, and last year hardly anything! When we opened the pool, it was clear and I had it looking good. But then came the 4th of July weekend and the temps in the 100's, and I forgot that the pool needs chlorine! Silly me!
I woke up on Sunday morning (the 8th) and my water had turned green. This was before I found this site. For 3 weeks Olivers kept telling me, just keep shocking with TurboShock. I saw little improvement. The last time I went in to Olivers for a water test, I peeked in the testing room, and the woman was testing my sample with test strips! Heck! I did that at home! I wanted help, not bad advise. So, I found this site, purchased a TF-100 test kit and with the help of the good people on this site, my water is crystal clear, balanced and healthy!
We use a safety cover on the pool during the winter, and I'm wondering if adding some bleach during the mild winter months would help. I have a friend who peels back a small corner of his cover and starts treating his water in March, then puts the cover back on. Sounds like a good idea.
Good talking to you! Keep in touch and thanks for your advise.!
K