Super-simple Recipe: Kits, Chemicals, Tools

[PoolDoc]

I have a small 10' x 30" Intex above ground pool. It holds just over 1000 gallons. Can I follow the steps for my smaller pool, and if so, how much would be a dose for my size pool?

Not really. The problem is, as a pool gets smaller, the effect of swimmers on the water gets larger. How much? Dunno.

What you can do is cut the dose size in 1/2 (ie, 1/4 cup dose would become your standard) . . . and THEN test after doses. AND, after use. You may find you need an extra daily dose of chlorine on days the pool is used. Or not.

I don't know; you can try and see.

The SS recipe is intended as a get-you-started method that you can chose to follow or not, once you have a bit more experience. With the very small pool, you really need to be a little more 'hard-core' about your testing, right from the start.

Another option? Check around for a slightly larger pool on clearance. Summer Escapes pools have some quality control problems, and very poor customer service, but are really, really cheap. Intex Ultra pools are better, and have better -- if slow and inconvenient -- customer service. Walmart, KMart, Target are all possible sources for something like a 14' Intex Ultra.

[PoolDoc]

However, with salt you'll need to switch to accurately testing your own water sooner. You're OK for a couple of weeks, but you'll need the K2006 kit AND the AquaCheck salt strips. See http://pool9.net/tk/