A few questions

[nyjobz]

I'm new to the board, I just ordered the test kit from Ben. I bought my house with a 30 yr old pool that collapsed during the winter and I just had it rebuilt. It's now shaped like a snowman, 8ft deep at the "head" and the "body" is 4 ft. The pool is 42 ft long and 16-10 ft wide. I currently have a service taking care of the pool, but this costs $57/week so I am going to start taking care of it myself in July.
Questions: How many gallons does this sound like?
Where should I pour the bleach and add the Borax/Baking soda; In the skimmer or at the pump?
Also, should I leave the pump running while I add it?

Thanks in advance for any info.

[aylad]

I'm no good at gallonage, so I'm gonna let somebody else handle that one....but as far as your chems go, when you add Borax or Baking soda, most of us just pour it in the skimmer, breaking up any clumps as you pour it. For acid, liquid needs to be poured into the water, dry can go into the skimmer. Bleach pouring methods vary, I pour mine into the return stream from my jet to let the stream disburse it. Others pour it into the skimmer, and still others dribble it around the perimeter of the pool, mixing it as you go to keep "hot spots" away from the sides. And yes, whatever you're adding, the pump needs tro be running when you add it, and for an hour or two afterwards to help mix it into the water.

janet