Newbie, first pool.

[Dpooltest]

Hi, I just got an above ground pool (10,000 gal) installed, it is my first pool. I wanted little maintenance and was recommended/ sold a power ionizer (so I've wouldn't have to treat the water as often). So now that pool is installed and open, I am reading and watching videos on how to take care of it and second guessing.
I have a carvin pump(2 speed) and sand filter, along with the ionizer. Is the only downside to the ionizer the possibility of staining?
Since I just bought this and can't return, can I use the BBB method or some modified way to easily and cheaply maintain the pool?

So far I have just put in pH up (pool life brand I think) and turbo shock 2x(once a week). I think pH is normal, and alkaline is, copper looked low today though (I only have test strips with copper,pH and TA tabs, and I have trouble matching the pH color)

I will be reading up on the forum and the guide, but any tips and experience with a similar setup is appreciated.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome! Well, for the ionizer, you should read this thread: Ionizer yay or nay. I'll leave it at that for now. Some things to consider right away that will help you:
1 - Dump the test strips and/or free testing. Get yourself a TF-100 (link in my signature) or Taylor K-2006C. See Test Kits Compared. Everything you do hinges on results from one of those kits.
2 - Stop using pool store shocks and specialty products. Use regular bleach to increase your FC level. Nothing that says splashless or scented.
3- Review our ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and read/save those Vital Links below in my signature. They are all you need right now. Don't forget to update your signature as well. Thanks for using the forum.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Walmart sells 10% liquid chlorine in the pool section....and plain, unscented, non-thickened, no polymer type bleach in the laundry section.

No Clorox brand stuff though.. it has polymers in it you don't want in your pool. And no XtraBlue products cause they contain copper.

Have you considered a Salt Water Chlorinator? *SWG* <--shorthand for it. They rock and are REALLY a blessing when it comes to wanting ease of pool management.

Maddie

 

[Dpooltest]

Brand new pool, dough boy, semi inground, not sure if I could do a swg system.

In general when adding chemicals does anyone use gloves, goggles or other precautions?

What do I need to put in my signature?

 

[DorsalSpine]

Put your pool information in your signature so people can tailor their responses accordingly. I don't wear gloves since I can always just stick my hand in the pool. I do wear glasses at all times. Old clothes are good since you will get bleach spots on them at some point.