We just purchased a home in late August with a pool, making this my first foray into pool ownership/maintenance. When we moved in the pool still looked clear (I didn't know how to test it) and we figured hey- let's go for a swim.
With the busyness of moving in, getting settled, and expenses involved in all that I haven't had a lot of time to invest in truly maintaining the pool. In addition, we have maybe one week or so left of swimming weather before fall really gets into full swing- meaning we'll get 1 or maybe 2 times in pool (if we're lucky) before I'll winterize it.
I won't be able to buy the full test kit until next season, so I'm using the test strips that were left over from the previous owner. FC is testing about zero (and doesn't seem to be going up after adding a couple gal. of 10% bleach- I suspect some ammonia issues), I have the pH in a reasonable range, as well as Alkalinity, and I don't really trust the CYA reading on the test strip, but it's definitely low. I've been vacuuming algae (again- haven't been able to get enough FC) off the pool floor about every other day, and managed to keep the water pretty clear.
Here's my question: what can I get away with in terms of chem safety for the weekend? I'm not a big germaphobe and a figure with a shower afterward, "if it looks clear- it must be pretty safe" but I'm only guessing. After this week I'll be closing it up and plan to start fresh and start right next season. For those in the know, do you think this is okay or is this a really bad idea?
With the busyness of moving in, getting settled, and expenses involved in all that I haven't had a lot of time to invest in truly maintaining the pool. In addition, we have maybe one week or so left of swimming weather before fall really gets into full swing- meaning we'll get 1 or maybe 2 times in pool (if we're lucky) before I'll winterize it.
I won't be able to buy the full test kit until next season, so I'm using the test strips that were left over from the previous owner. FC is testing about zero (and doesn't seem to be going up after adding a couple gal. of 10% bleach- I suspect some ammonia issues), I have the pH in a reasonable range, as well as Alkalinity, and I don't really trust the CYA reading on the test strip, but it's definitely low. I've been vacuuming algae (again- haven't been able to get enough FC) off the pool floor about every other day, and managed to keep the water pretty clear.
Here's my question: what can I get away with in terms of chem safety for the weekend? I'm not a big germaphobe and a figure with a shower afterward, "if it looks clear- it must be pretty safe" but I'm only guessing. After this week I'll be closing it up and plan to start fresh and start right next season. For those in the know, do you think this is okay or is this a really bad idea?
