Ok, I added what I can remember as of now to my signature.
I need to buy a new backwash hose because mine broke today. I am going to get one long enough to reach the street. Anything else I should know?
How about using sewer vs (the other water option coming from the outside spigots) to refill?
And, yes I will bite the bullet and purchase a decent test kit. If I can make it to a pool store tomorrow, should I go ahead and buy these items there (providing they have the right kind) or is it cheaper to buy online?
Also, we are having people over to use the pool on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday coming up. Tomorrow is Wednesday. if the water is currently clear and chlorine level higher than 10ppm (but there is visible dirt on the walls and floor of some areas of the pool that the sweeper doesn't seem to want to pick up), should I leave it alone for a week and just make sure chlorine stays high so algae does not develop, or try to drain, refill, rebalance, and reheat in the next three days?
Thanks again.