Thanks for the helpful advice. I wasn't clear on the first post, but I'm afraid I will have to turn off the pump and cover the pool while I'm gone. I decided to give it a good shock for 24-48 hours before leaving and add a little extra poly-60. I will post an update when I get back, either to ask for more help with my new "pond" or to share a positive experience with others who might need to travel in the summer. I hope its the latter.