Total Newbie in need of Chlorine help

Hi all and thanks in advance for your help...

We just set up our AquaLeisure Steel Set pool.. (capacity about 3500 gallons.... see I told you we are newbies...)

I went to Wal-Mart and bought the slow disslove Chlorine dispenser, and a case of 1-inch chloring tablets.

At the time I didn't know but after reading on this board I see I need to get a test kit and ph stuff....

Oh BTW, we are filling it with well water... (we live in the country...)

By morning it will be full and my question is.....

Can the kids swim in it right away? Like I said, all I have is the chlorine tabs as of now.... Can they swim in it for a day(in fresh water..), and I begin the chemicals the next day? (I know I will probably have to take a water sample to the pool store...)

Basically, can swimming in it for a short time before adding a single chemical mess anything up?

Any other advise would be greatly appreciated... I know its a baby pool comapred to most of you but its big to us...)

Thanks so much! This board has already been a huge help... :0)

~sherri

It's never too early to add chemicals, particularly chlorine. Pop one in the floater and let 'er rip. Do get your test kit ASAP (like tomorrow) and check your Cl and pH. Get the 5 way hth kit, that will take care of most of your needs. Do all the tests, except the CYA test (you won't have any of that built up in the water yet anyway) and post them here.

And yes, go swimming!

Michael