I'd like to test my well water for whatever I need to be concerned about with regards to pool maintenance. I'd also like to do this on my own rather than send it off to a lab since water quality can vary over time and may require a couple tests per year.

(Aside to PoolDoc: Ben, if you happen to get a free minute to sneeze, could you instead put together that well water test kit you mentioned in a private email last year? Obviously j/k, but it would be great).

So what are my options? Is there an test kit I can buy somewhere that'll cover what I need to know? And what do I need to know? I suspect a high iron situation, since all my white plastic parts got a little rustish last year.

Also, related ?: Do any of you well-water folk treat (soften, filter, etc.) your water before it goes in the pool? My garden hose is tee'd off before the whole-house filter and softener. I'm thinking of installing another WH filter just for it.

Thanks.

Chuck

(geez, I can't wait to start opening the pool next weekend. Goin' a little crazy here in Upstate NY!)