As indicated, this is my first pool ownership after avoiding them for many years. It gets very hot here (97 today), so this is the place and time to have a pool. We recently purchased this house, and the 12-14 year old pool came with it. Mine is a kidney-shape, 450 sq. ft. (app. 18K gal.) with pebble tech finish. We have several trees that contribute lots of organic matter. Just installed new equipment: StaRite S8M150 filter, Polaris 280 sweeper, and a solar heating system on my roof. I intend to take care of the pool and am learning the ropes. I have also acquired the Taylor K-2006 test kit, and seem to have established balance for now.