I am installing an AutoPilot Dig-60 in my 20x40 (36,000 gal) in ground vinyl lined pool. I will have to use well water to fill it. I live in south Louisiana and don't really know anything about the water. All I know is it is safe to drink. Are there any special steps or precautions I should use in regards to the well water? Any specific tests of the water I need to obtain? I am a complete pool novice. All I have done in the past is add chlorine when needed and clean the pool. Never had any other issue but algae once which shocking cured.

The pool has special bathing loads. The pool is in our back yard but my wifes business (Daycare/Early learning center, summer camp) is next door and we use it for swim lessons in the summer (June-Early August). Probably 150 kids a day during swim lessons and free swim. The rest of the year the load is light with just our family. Any tips for how I should handle this?

I plan on using the unit to control my pump. Currently it runs 24/7, 365 but want to save some energy cost. It is currently not on a timer and hooked through a switch to turn pump on and off. Will I be able to use the switch to shut the pump off or will I use the control unit to kill the pump such as when I want to back flush the sand filter? If I use the switch to kill the power, will the control box loose all settings? Remember, I am a complete novice here.

Finally, at filling and start up, what chemicals do I need to have on hand? The local pool store that is installing my liner is no help as the do not sell SWG units. I am guessing it would cut into their sales of chemicals. I have read where I need salt, stabilizer and acid? Is there anything else I will need? I really appreciate the help and if there are any tutorials or post known specific to what I need, feel free to post the link. Or is there any specific keywords I can use here to search for what I am looking for?

Thanks again from a pool novice.

Smurfe