Pool Maintenance

[decisionprof]

We have an inground pool and live in upstate NY.  We were lucky enough to stumble upon www.troublefreepools.com a few years back when we were having tremendous issues keeping our pool chemicals stable.  After just opening the pool this spring, we needed to re-balance and get rid of some algae, etc.  In just 5 days - thanks to this website and those who support it - we have a sparkling clean pool that is ready for summer.  The best thing - no trips to the "fancy pants" pool supply store - simple bleach and a great test kit and one other chemical that can be purchased at many stores.

This website has saved us HUNDREDS of dollars in just over a year.  The support group is outstanding - and deserves mention here.  They are as "Mustachian" as you can get for dealing with pools (which can be a HUGE drain on your finances if not done correctly). 

Happy summer!

[factminder]

..... decisonprof,  tks. for providing this informative Web-site.(factual vs. opinion)
My daughter is installing a new Pool in June.

[ScubaAZ]

Thanks for this!  I just "fired" my pool guy (at $85 a month) and another Mustachian had directed me to TFP.  We just got the test kit and did a round of tests, and everything is in the normal range but I'm happy to hear that its working for someone else.  My boyfriend is a little skeptical that it can be done with simple household chemicals, but we're going to give it a go.

[decisionprof]

Your welcome!
You may need to go and get some CYA (stabilizer) from a large discount store (where I personally hate to shop) - but you still don't need to go to the pool store to get what you need.  We have had great experience - but remember that it is a process and takes time.  We were using a bromine-based product for a few years and had trouble with some mold that would never clear up.  We could have gone to the pool store everyday for weeks to buy new things to add  - (and we did go way more than once and spent hundreds of dollars to just deal with the mold issue) - that's when we found TFP and "converted" our pool to chlorine.  TFP explained exactly how to do it - with pictures and everything!  Definitely a believer - and they are totally Mustachian...wish I could get the word out to those who don't use the forum.

[ScubaAZ]

Our CYA is really high (100), actually, and the pool calculator suggests replacing 60% of the water to correct it.  I'm not sure that needs to be done immediately (the pool guy had said some time this year).  Part of the problem is he's been using the chlorine tablets, which add CYA.  We're going to finish what is in there, and then switch to bleach, so it at least shouldn't get too much higher. 

I have a TFP post planned to ask a few questions, this will be one of them.

[MrsPete]

Related question:  we're planning to build a pool with our new house.  As an experienced pool owner, can you make any suggestions about details we might include (or avoid) that'd save time or money over the years?