New pool owner getting frustrated with costs

[Watermom]

Try using a paste made with baking soda and see if that will scrub it off.

Welcome to the Pool Forum, by the way! We've all done the Walmart thing with the buggy loaded with bleach bottles and gotten the stares and questions. One time when i was asked why I was buying so much, I just looked at the clerk with a straight face and said, "we are just really dirty." She just looked back. I didn't crack a smile or anything. I'm sure she thought I was strange, but who cares?

[BigDave]

Hi jaff and welcome to the forum. You've found the right place to learn to care for your pool and liberate yourself from the pool store.
I'm surprised Watermom didn't mention this, but, I think the the most important step to poolcare independence (after finding this place) is to purchase and learn to use a good FAS-DPD test kit (Taylor K-2006). If you buy one through the link in Watermom's signature, the pool forum gets a few scheckels to keep the lights on.