Order of chemical additions...

[duraleigh]

Evan,

When you add the baking soda add a small amount at a time dissolved in water and broadast it in the pool. If you see any local cloudiness develop you are adding too much at once and you need to add less at a time.

I have plopped it directly into the skimmer without dissolving. Is there a distinct advantage in dissolving and broadcasting?

[waterbear]

Depends on where your calcium is. If it's high it can cause clouding of the water. I am just being cautious since he is adding calcium and baking soda in a short period of time.