Hi Kelly,

Welcome! you are correct in saying that this board is awesome. I've only been a pool owner (1st time) for about 1 whole week.

I read this board for several weeks while my pool was being built and I can tell you that doing so will pay benefits.

I've spoken to about 3 local pool owners in my neigborhood, and with all due-respect, they are CLUELESS to pool maintenance

They run to the local store every week with their test bottles and come back with directions on what to add etc etc.

I've been testing every day as my pool has brand new marcite/plaster so for the first several days I pumped 24/7 and brushed twice a day, and took readings two times a day.

Moving along - I have a two speed pump. I just last night set it on the timer as I am seeing my water balancing out and I am no longer seeing blue plaster dust when I brush.

I set it to "HI SPEED" from 4:30 - 10:30 PM (about when we'll be in it alot throughout the week) and then on LOW SPEED from 7AM - 12 PM. Now that's 11 hours a day of running, but if I get in the pool I turn it on High Speed. So I am probably running the pump a bit more than needed - but I am experimenting.

I'll keep taking readings... In about a week I may try to run it at Low Speed during timed sessions..

I can tell you that in my limited experience what counts is "SLOW AND STEADY". Don't be too anxious to listen to the Professional Pool People at the pool store..

Also - I see you live in Florida -me too. From what I understand, we one of the few states that the pool stores sell "liquid chlorine" AKA - BLEACH. It's very reasonably priced, and my local store gets a fresh 15K gallon supply every week - so you may want to check that out too.

Good Luck!!
David