Mwil3

Ok. That is a lot of info to take in. I was able to get some info from another forum and I'm trying some suggestions to get my TA and pH straight (sounds like what you are talking about here, I think they called it the "ratchet" method.) I used about a cup of acid. I also added 1/2 lbs of conditioner and added some bleach to help get the chlorine up to around 6. There's alot to take in and I'm trying to get it all processed. I'm going to have to order a decent test kit for now I'm just using these strips. If anyone has any other suggestions, I will be happy to take the advise on what to do next. I know it's much easier to add chemicals than it is to take them out, so I'm trying to add a bit at a time until I get it right.

Well, I've done the ABG pool thing in the past only to have a big mess by the end of the season and a bad taste in my mouth for pool care all together. Well, we just purchased an Intex 18'x4' with the metal frame and I'd like to try and get more than 1 season out of it. After doing some research we decided to spring for the saltwater system as well (wife wants to be greener.) We have well water and I took a sample down to the local pool place and they told me I needed to add all these chemicals to get started. I realize that I've got to get the TA down (it's at 280.) The guy at the pool place said that he could not recommend muriatic acid for a vinyl pool. I've read that since there is no deep end, it's a bit tricky (do I just poor a gallon of that stuff in there and retest in a day or two?) I just filled the pool yesterday and added the salt. I've been running the filter and I'll start the SWG today when I get home. The guy at the pool place also said I need to shock the pool and put in some conditioner? I'm a bit confused about this? Why dump in chemicals when I got the saltwater system to avoid chemicals. I'm in central Texas and I'll be using the cover when we aren't in the pool. Any advise on what really needs to be done here would be very helpful. We are on a budget, so cheap is good.