pool is leaking; should I wait until it's fixed to try to adjust chemistry?

[cikatydid]

Hello,
I am a new homeowner and it came with a pool (~28,000 gallons). I just had it opened two days ago (Long Island, NY). I noticed that the water levels are dropping; over 1.5 inches in the last 24 hours. I have called to have the guys try to locate/fix the leak. My question is, should I even bother to add chlorine, CYA at this point?
Here are my test results using Taylor's kit:
CYA -- basically zero
Free chlorine -- 0.8 ppm
Combined Chlorine -- 0.2 ppm

I know I need to add these things to bring the values within the ideal ranges, but should I wait until the leak is fixed? I don't want to waste chemicals...
Thanks for your input.

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!

Yes. It is better to maintain the pool, than to end up with a SWAMP. It will *likely* take less $ and time to maintain vs. clean up later. Any if they are delayed for any reason and you have a swamp/algae, they will not want to get in to find the leak. Ounce of prevention vs. a pound of cure and all...

Keep your water levels up in the skimmer so that you never starve the pump with water. Fill it so that you are 75% up the skimmer mouth, so if you lose 1.5", you still have water in the right place for your skimmer.

When are they coming out?