I know about the CYA increase, but I had drained 50% of my pool (TWICE!) last year while trying to fix a plumbing leak, so there is very little to no CYA in my water right now. Pucks for 2 weeks shouldnt be a problem (especially if I dont have the filter on that long anyway).

As far as *when* to run it, I guess you can look at it 2 ways: 1. run the pump during the day so the pump doesnt freeze up, or 2. run the pump at night so the pipes dont freeze up. I suppose #2 is safer, because I can always replace my pump if it freezes. On the other hand, I dont think the ground will freeze again anytime soon, but I suppose you never know.

Ive tried the submersible thing before, it didnt work very well. My pump was offline for a couple days 2 seasons ago, so I used the submersible with a floating chlorinator in the "wake" of the pump, and I really didnt get much circulation of the chlorine.

Ill come up with something I guess. Or I can just wait the 2 weeks and open it completely at once. No parties here, we have a 9 week old, so about 99% of my time goes to him, the other 1% is various forms of work

-Chris