New Pool Owner - Can You Really Teach and Old Dog?

oledan

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Bronze Supporter
Aug 8, 2024
103
Central Indiana
Pool Size
10140
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Boy, I'm so thankful I stumbled on this site! Brand new pool owner here. So, a little about myself, I'm a 57-year-old retired LEO from my home county in Indiana. Been here all my life.
I think I did my research and decided to go with a fiberglass pool. There seems to be so much to learn and know about maintaining a pool and pool chemistry! I've watched countless YouTube videos and learned quite a bit. I find I like the process off adding this and that to get a specific result. I also went to my local pools store which offers testing......seems there in business to sell chemicals so I'm a bit skeptical.

So, I'm grateful to you for sharing your knowledge with this newbie. I will contribute where I have some knowledge to share but it may take a while:)

Thanks again,
Dan
 
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Hi and well done so far! Good idea to start learning now so it will be second nature when the pool is done.

I do want to tell you the kind of pool does not dictate what kind of care you give it. It is all basically the same. We can and will teach you how to maintain it so it is crystal clear and Trouble Free using items bought from Wal-mart or Lowes! How neat is that??? The only "big" item you will need to buy to properly care for your pool is a good test kit as seen here: Test Kits Compared

Yeah a pool store will do your test for "free" BUT is it really free if you walk out with your arms full and wallet empty?? Just saying!

Look down in my signature to see the recommended chemicals we use in our pools.

Kim :kim:
 
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Welcome to the forum!

I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
Thank you for that Sir. I read thru most for the articles and Wow-a wealth of info! Extra helpful was the levels for the type of pool you have. So much to read through and so much knowledge at my fingertips. Gonna take a break from reading and go out and Vaccuum the pool. It's nice out.......

Dan
 
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I've watched countless YouTube videos and learned quite a bit.
Unless they were TFP videos, you should do your best to forget them. :)

I find I like the process off adding this and that to get a specific result.
You've come to the right place.

I also went to my local pools store which offers testing......seems there in business to sell chemicals so I'm a bit skeptical.
You are right to be skeptical. Stay out of the pool store unless there's a sale on a specific required chemical (MA, LC, CYA, etc.).

First priority is getting a proper test kit. How are you chlorinating? TF-Pro or TF-Pro salt are the top choices.
 
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Unless they were TFP videos, you should do your best to forget them. :)


You've come to the right place.


You are right to be skeptical. Stay out of the pool store unless there's a sale on a specific required chemical (MA, LC, CYA, etc.).

First priority is getting a proper test kit. How are you chlorinating? TF-Pro or TF-Pro salt are the top choices.
I'm using my trusty Taylor K-2005 and I chlorinate with Liquid Chlorine. My CYA levels are a bit high at 55 (was using di-chlor shock at first before becoming more educated). My pool builder has an auto Chlorinator installed but I have yet to use it. I intend to use it only if I want to bring my CYA levels up for some reason.
I'm really enjoying learning how to take care of my new pool.

Thanks to all who responded to this new guy. My wife thanks you too (as I'm her pool boy:) )

Dan
 
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