Thanks for the reply. Your recommendations are very appreciated. I agree about the beer. My friends are more mature and hopefully we can stay focused. I will try and fire up the pump this weekend and run it as you suggest. We have a sand filter not a cartridge. I haven't looked at the sand yet, that is on my list. I actually have a scooper just like the one you suggest that I got at my local pool store, $10 more than amazon but nevertheless. I asked for heavy duty and that is what I got. I have an aluminum pole and will look locally for fiberglass. I also have that leaf-eater gadget. I ordered new bags for it. Now need to find plain old bleach. I think the pool is 35,000 gallons, but will double check. My local pool store has a fee water testing service. I know they just will want to sell me chemicals, but if you think I need my own test kit I will get one. I read on your other site something about calcium not being necessary with vinyl lined pools. Did I read that right??
Cheers,