Sorry for the long delay in a response. In the mean time we've gotten two bids on replacement, both from established local companies. After careful comparisons we chose a company with 13 years' experience. Discounting the set-up chemicals to be furnished by the somewhat higher bid, the difference was about $200, plus the lower bid was for a 30 mil liner, vs 20 mil for the slightly higher. BTW, the pool was installed in 1993 and to our knowledge it had its original liner. I'd say we were overdue!

Installation was finished in about 1 1/2 days and went smoothly. The pool is now in use, and is beautiful - crystal clear. We're using up some CaHClO shock while we add NaCl for the SWG, plus NaHCO3 for pH. All that alphabet soup! The CYA is at about 30 ppm after 4 days, can't rush that.

A couple of questions:

The info that came with the liner wants total alkalinity at about 100 ppm, and calcium hardness at 100 ppm minimum. I seem to recall reading either on this site or another similar one that calcium is unnecessary for a vinyl pool. Any comments?

The main drain was cleared of debris when the VGBaker drain cover was installed. Nevertheless flow though it is minimal; if the skimmer is turned off I risk cavitation in the pump. There is an auxilary intake plumbed with the main drain at the same level as the return nozzles, it is presently plugged off with a threaded gasketed plug. Could this be used as a point to pressurize the main drain by shutting off the drain circuit at the pump and then using compressed air at say 25 psi to perhaps dislodge plugging materials? Or should I just leave well enough alone and enjoy my rejuvenated pool.

Many thanks for members' advice and sympathy. At least here near Atlanta we have considerable swim time left; my wife, a native of Florida, says we'll break the ice to take a dip! We'll see about that!