I have 16x32 IG vinyl, about 25,000 gallons.

The pool is used very infrequently as it is just for my wife and I.

My most recent readings were:

FC - above 8.0
PH - 7.4
TA - 160
Calcium Hardness - 50
Total Dissolved Solids - 600

Previous to this reading my PH was below 6.0 and the Pool Store recommended draining the pool 1/3 of the way twice adding PH as necessary.

Thanks to the helpful tips on this forum I added 48lbs of Baking Soda and 8 lbs PH up. That action brought my readings up to the levels above.

Now the pool store wants me to add 45lbs of Hardness Plus and then another 5 lbs every 4 hours.

According to what I've read here calcium levels are not a concern on vinyl pools, so I'm not going to do anything.

What do I do about the chlorine levels though?

I have an automatic feeder and it has been empty for the last 2 days. The pump runs 24/7.

I just filled the feeder though because I am concerned algae coming back.

Will higher chlorine levels affect PH levels?

How long should I run my pump. The pool is in mostly full sunlight from dawn until 3-4 PM.

What hours should I run my pump?

Is a SWG a lower maintenance item, do they control PH too?

Sorry for all the questions but I am determined to get this pool back into swimmimg shape.

Thanks for your responses.