Post-opening questions (stains and chemicals)

[cmcq]

Thanks to info from other members, I opened my pool by myself for the first time last weekend, and had no issues. It was so straight forward that I can't believe I paid someone for the past 4 years to do it for me. THANKS.

Now that everything is running, I have a couple of questions.

First, I've got brown stains at the pre-opening water level, steps, etc. I can't vacuum or brush them off but if I rub them by hand, they will come off. Needless to say, I don't plan on brushing the entire pool with my bare hands. Any suggestions? I was thinking it was something organic from the leaves, etc., but am not sure.

Second (and maybe related), here are my initial readings:

FC = 2
CC = .5
pH = 7.4
Alk = 70
Cal = 120
Cya = 0
temp = 64

I've got an SWC and mineral readings are 1700, so I know that is low and need to add salt. What else do I need to do?

Third, my kids were dying to get in the pool for a few minutes, so they jumped off the sides a few times before they got too cold. When they hit the water, there were lots of tiny bubbles that came up with them and stayed on the surface for 15-20 seconds before dissipating. It doesn't seem to be a major issue, but since I hadn't seen it before I thought I'd ask.

Thanks
Charlie

[aylad]

For the stains, I would try a kitchen sponge with a little baking soda paste, unless it's too much area--if so, chances are a good shocking will take care of it.

You need to get some CYA in the pool--follow the directions per your SWG for how much, but I'm thinking it's in the 80 ppm range. Even if your SWG isn't generating yet, the Cl you have in the pool now won't stay without some stabilizer.

Regarding the bubbles, they're probably a normal part of kids splashing in the pool--we have them, too, especially when using the slide.

Janet