I luckily found TFP after a forum member posted about managing your own pool in my local NextDoor. I am very thankful for all the great advice and the members who take the time to post and answer my individual questions.
Today is the last day of my pool service. I've been managing my pool for over two weeks and it wouldn't have been possible without TFP. A couple comments/observations:
1. At first - - managing your own pool can seem quite daunting. Quite challenging. Once you commit to learning the basics and reading everything you can, it's not as difficult as it seems.
2. The Taylor Test Kits are fantastic. I have the TF-100 Kit purchased directly from Taylor Technologies. A very wise investment.
3. Testing - - once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. I do the daily test and the Chlorine Drop Test as least every other day. I find that with our hot Arizona summers, the sun eats up CL.
4. I purchase my 10% Liquid Chlorine from my local Walmart. I keep four gallons on hand at one time and I store it indoors in an open, plastic container. I imagine that in the wintertime that there will be less chemical usage. But the pool still needs to be maintained.
5. We have extremely hard water here in Tucson, AZ. I have made it a practice to brush the walls of the pool every day. In addition, I gather whatever debris around the pool daily and keep it away, as much as possible, from the pool water.
I'm still learning but so far, the results have been excellent. The pool service never had more than, I'd say, 3ppm Chlorine in the pool and then they'd go through their puck/shock routine. Once a week doesn't cut it for pool management. Your pool is not a "set it and forget it" proposition.
Lastly - - by all means, please share your Newbie Pool Experience. We can all learn from each other. Enjoy your summer!
Today is the last day of my pool service. I've been managing my pool for over two weeks and it wouldn't have been possible without TFP. A couple comments/observations:
1. At first - - managing your own pool can seem quite daunting. Quite challenging. Once you commit to learning the basics and reading everything you can, it's not as difficult as it seems.
2. The Taylor Test Kits are fantastic. I have the TF-100 Kit purchased directly from Taylor Technologies. A very wise investment.
3. Testing - - once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. I do the daily test and the Chlorine Drop Test as least every other day. I find that with our hot Arizona summers, the sun eats up CL.
4. I purchase my 10% Liquid Chlorine from my local Walmart. I keep four gallons on hand at one time and I store it indoors in an open, plastic container. I imagine that in the wintertime that there will be less chemical usage. But the pool still needs to be maintained.
5. We have extremely hard water here in Tucson, AZ. I have made it a practice to brush the walls of the pool every day. In addition, I gather whatever debris around the pool daily and keep it away, as much as possible, from the pool water.
I'm still learning but so far, the results have been excellent. The pool service never had more than, I'd say, 3ppm Chlorine in the pool and then they'd go through their puck/shock routine. Once a week doesn't cut it for pool management. Your pool is not a "set it and forget it" proposition.
Lastly - - by all means, please share your Newbie Pool Experience. We can all learn from each other. Enjoy your summer!
