First time pool owner. We opened it July 7th. It's a chlorine pool - 16X30 with a 3 foot tanning shelf, 2 steps down, 3 foot depth, to a 5.5 deep end (with an upside down cone to the deep end) - I'm sure there's a fancy name for that - but I'm not sure what it is. We have an auto cover that is installed under the rim of the pool (which we really love). Since we don't have a fence, I'm paranoid to leave it uncovered for any length of time. So, it's probably closed more than it needs to be - but with kids in the neighborhood, I don't want anything to happen. I have an inline chlorinator, I was using 1inch tablets, but when they ran out, I've switched to 3 inch tablets. Still getting the chlorine dialed in, it's been at 10ppm for the last 3-4 days, but I'm hoping for some sun burn off to lower that a bit. We live in Central Indiana, we have a heater, we'll see how late we keep the pool open. Some years are 80degree Octobers, some years are snow before Halloween. I purchased an automatic water tester (Sense2) that seems to be a good way to test. I know people hate test strips (me too) but I've already purchased the automatic reader, so I'm hesitant to also spend $117 on a test kit. We have a Aiper robot cleaner - which does a decent job, but it doesn't like the slope - and it doesn't do a good job on the corners. So, I manually vacuum as needed. I'm sure there are a TON of things I'm missing, and possible doing wrong, but as of yet, no one has run screaming from the pool with their skin peeling off, so I think I'm doing OK. Looking forward to learning from the group - I've heard LOTS of good things on social media, and so far, I've gotten really good tips!
New Pool Owner - true definition of newbie!
- Thread starter mcurrans
- Start date
drsipe
Gold Supporter
- Jul 24, 2020
- 412
- Pool Size
- 24500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Welcome to the forum. The best place to start is in Pool school with "pool care basics"
www.troublefreepool.com
Hopefully we can convince you that one of those "expensive" test kits is really a very good investment in having sparkly clean water that looks inviting. Pools are such a big investment, and the proper test kit can prevent you from making costly mistakes with water chemistry. We will also try to keep you out of the pool stores and their expensive "fixes" which usually create other problems, which they will sell you another "fix". In our experience the only reliable water testing comes from the approved test kits and owner testing, pool stores for the most part are not trying to deceive you, they have inexperienced staff, are in a hurry, don't clean their test equipment and some of the water chemistry changes in the time it takes you to grab a sample and the time till it is tested.
For the future, if you create a signature, we will be better able to provide you with assistance
www.troublefreepool.com
Any way, I'll hop off the soapbox now, enjoy the pool and I hope we can help you.
One last thing, since I switched to the TFP method, in the spring of 2020, I have not shocked my pool, I've never had an algae bloom, and I have spent far less money than when I was a pool store addict.
Pool Care Basics Archives
Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!
www.troublefreepool.com
Hopefully we can convince you that one of those "expensive" test kits is really a very good investment in having sparkly clean water that looks inviting. Pools are such a big investment, and the proper test kit can prevent you from making costly mistakes with water chemistry. We will also try to keep you out of the pool stores and their expensive "fixes" which usually create other problems, which they will sell you another "fix". In our experience the only reliable water testing comes from the approved test kits and owner testing, pool stores for the most part are not trying to deceive you, they have inexperienced staff, are in a hurry, don't clean their test equipment and some of the water chemistry changes in the time it takes you to grab a sample and the time till it is tested.
For the future, if you create a signature, we will be better able to provide you with assistance
Create Your Signature - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
Any way, I'll hop off the soapbox now, enjoy the pool and I hope we can help you.
One last thing, since I switched to the TFP method, in the spring of 2020, I have not shocked my pool, I've never had an algae bloom, and I have spent far less money than when I was a pool store addict.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,061
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to TFP! 
Maybe start reading this one.
www.troublefreepool.com
Maybe start reading this one.
Closing an In Ground Pool
Winterizing a pool is essential for keeping your in-ground pool protected during cold-weather months. This Pool Repair guide will show you how to do it.
www.troublefreepool.com