1. You can't control your pool, and we can't give you especially good chemistry advice . . . till you have good test results. Get a K2006.

2. "Top of the line" ionization units are just more expensive ways to mess up your pool; they work the same as 'bottom of the line' units.

3. You don't have to take it out; just turn it off.

4. Tablets are fine . . . depending on CYA levels. See #1 above. Bleach is the safe bet for clean up, right now. (PLAIN household Walmart bleach works great.)