Hi Ruth. The normal water level for most pools is about half way up the skimmer, so you should keep it around there. I'm in Shreveport, where it's really hot also, and in the summer I probably only have to top the pool off at most once a week, and that's maybe an inch if that. Also, waterfalls, or any disturbance of the water, pushes your pH up. So if you have your waterfall running a lot, I'd check my pH rise every day for a few days and adjust with MA daily. Then do the same thing but keep the waterfall off for a few days to see if that doesn't slow it down. You'll get a feel for how much the waterfalls are contributing to your pH rise, and know about how much MA to add on a regular basis. I have two fountains in my pool and I know once I start using them in the summer that I'll need to add about 12 oz of MA every other day. I still test pH 3-4 times a week, but I'm pretty spot on with what it needs. Also test your tap water with your pH kit and you'll know what's in the water you're adding. Be sure to make you a log of some sort to keep track of your test results, and what you add. That way you can look back and start to see patterns. My log is in a 3 ring binder and goes back 4 years! It's helpful.
You're doing great!
