Will do, Ben. Thanks.

In advance of my updated findings with the distilled water, can I still install the covers? (I have a mesh loop loc safety cover that I also then cover with a cheap solid winter cover). If I do need to add acid will I be able to safely do so with the cover on and/or partially in place?

Also, let me add this to the equation. So, as I reported my pH this morning was >8 (bright purple on the Taylor FAS-DPD). I cautiously added some dry acid and after circulating for about 1.5 hours had my pH down down to about 7.8 when the pool crew arrived. They got their signals crossed and added ANOTHER dose of algaecide. My pH is again bright purple >8 so unless I'm getting unequal distribution of the acid it would appear on the surface that there may be a correlation between the algaecide and my pH readings.

Does the double dose of algaecide raise any concerns? The pool crew laughed it off and said I won't have to wory about algae over the winter.
Jim