Well they finished acid washing by 10:30 am and by 5PM I had 12,300 gallons of water in my pool! Less than I had expected. Using the irrigation line opposed to a hose was sweet - just a tip i thought I would mention in case anyone is getting ready to fill.

Ok - the pool guy came over, started everything up. Seems to work good and all that.

He said he doesn't want me to shock the pool for the first couple weeks to give the marcite time to set and he doesnt want to bleach-stain any aggregate. Said he wants me to keep the FC around 1.5.

I am ok with 1.5 or so because that appears to be a bit low but a sanitized level (correct me if I am wrong, please. I am a NEWBIE).

My question to you guys/gals - don't I have to shock the water to like 10PPM to kill anything/everything or is a consistent new pool, new water maintained at 1.5 - 3.0 adequate?

He also said not to do anything with stabilizer or anything for a bit, but didn't define how long a "bit" was.

We got to talking about chemicals and balance and I used my new found wealth (ALL FROM HERE) and he said "wow, you know more than any pool owner I've built for, where did you get all this so quick?" - I told him I read it in a book somewhere.. he laughed...

Finally, when can we swim?? I know the PH is going to up alot with the marcite - and i'll keep bringing it down. But if the FC is 1 - 3 and the ph 7.2 or so, can we swim in it? Is there a time period when it's all new that you should just wait?

Thanks to each and everyone of you. I've bombarded you with a ton of questions, yet you are so obliged to answer. I really appreciate it!!

David