New (very grateful) user/question re: bleach addition

[CarlD]

madwill nails it:

If your FC is NOT dropping by more than 1ppm overnight and your CC <.5ppm, you don't need to shock.

Otherwise you do.

Assuming you don't need to shock:
Other things to speed up cleaning your pool can be using "skimmer socks" in your skimmer. They are cheap and work amazingly well. A couple of layers of old panty-hose can substitute. I find the skimmer socks are fine enough to prevent pollen getting in to my filter.
You can also now dose your water with PolyQuat, the only algaecide we recommend. Interestingly, PolyQuat may help clear your water faster as its also a good clarifier. I'd only use an ounce or two, and you WILL see your FC drop over 24 hours, but probably not much.

Carl

[Texas247]

Update: I hesitated for a while to use the skimmer sock because I'd read conflicting opinions on it here in the forum, but after a week or two of having clean water and STILL getting sediment on the bottom (even after shocking, vacuuming to waste, repeat), I decided to take the plunge, so to speak. I am now a skimmer sock convert - it works beautifully! Thanks again for everyone's advice and information...this new pool owner is completely grateful!!!

[AnnaK]

We just love posts like that!

I use skimmer socks. I've found that if I brush the pool and stir up what dust/dirt is on the bottom much of it will get caught in the sock. I don't obsess over the occasional line of dirt in a dip or a liner crease. As soon as the dogs get in they'll stir it up back into solution and the sock will catch it.

Be advised that when you have lot of crud, such as in spring with various pollens, you want to exchange skimmer socks twice a day, maybe more. They are a terrific aid to keeping a pool clean.

Happy, happy, happy for your success!