Can my pool stay home alone for 10 days?

[chem geek]

If you can leave your pump on for the filter but turn off your pool sweep (is it on a separate pump or part of the main system? -- if part of the main system can you unscrew it where it attaches in the pool?). It is most important that you get circulation and not very important that you have your pool sweep running, especially if you are using a cover which should keep out much of the debris.

Even if the cover is thin, that's OK, it's more whether you can easily see through it or not -- is it clear or is it colored. Something will be better than nothing in any event. At least it's a cheap cover so it won't be horrible if it gets destroyed through this process.

Just so you know, I'm going on vacation starting this Thursday and through the following week (yes, we have someone staying at our house to tend to our two cats and the pool) so hopefully someone else will be able to help you out with the formulas and procedure I posted while I'm away. You've got a lot of bright, experienced and helpful people on this board so I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck!

Richard