Hi everyone, just wanted to check back in and let you know how everything thru winter & re-opening yesterday, 5-14-12. i used the BBB method all of last year & NEVER had any sort of problem whatever, NOTHING..... NADA
Closed per you instructions using only Polyquat ~ forgive my spelling
Numbers when i closed as follows,
Ch ~ 6
Ph ~ 7.6
Alk ~ 130
Cya ~ 50
The only thing i did beyond what you suggested was hang a old tupperware container with 3-2"dia chlorine tabs, drilled 12 or 16, 1/8" dia holes so water could flow thru it, just in case we had a bad winter.
Had a mild winter & when i opened yesterday it was CRYSTAL, i mean you could see the phillips head screws in the main drain, clear, minimal debris on the bottom, nothing 3 mins of brushing to the main drain didn't cure, brought water up to the correct level & tested the water after & hour or so of the filter running & numbers as follows.
Ch ~ 4
Ph 7.4
Alk ~ 120
Cya ~ 50
Checked the water again this morning & numbers were exactly the same as yesterday.
ANYONE that DOUBTS you guys & girls is NUTS, Spend the money, get a Taylor test kit, A MUST HAVE
If you want a pool for all to enjoy, PLEASE READ & FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS THESE FOLKS GIVE YOU. 5 mins a day is WELL worth it.

I still love going into the pool store & watch the sales ppl sell them everything they DON'T need.

THANK YOU AGAIN for your help,
Mike