Starting up and trying to avoid the pool stores

[PoolDoc]

I called Intex to see if we should add it and the guy said we didn't have to and that we could just wait and see if we needed it.

Really? Was that a guy on the Intexcorp.com helpline?

OK. You need to:

1. Read the Best Guess page (see my sig)

2. Raise your stabilizer. An easy way to do it is with undiluted dichlor
==> Sams Club "PoolBrand" 24lb box of dichlor shock - EXCELLENT price, if available. Otherwise
==> Kem-Tek Dichlor 22 lbs @ Amazon
(Almost all other locally available brands are diluted or mixed with goo.)

3. Fill out the Pool Chart, so we have the info we need, and can tell you how MUCH stuff to add:

Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

4. Keep chlorine in the pool by dosing each evening, till you can hold levels consistently over the day.

5. Turn off your SWCG, until your CYA levels are up.