I currently have two distinct layers of dust in my pool - brown looking sediment that "poofs" when brushed, and whitish yellow that I assume to be pollen, that just showed up last week. How can I tell the difference?

I do get a .5 CC reading most every time, and my FC drops several ppm each day but I haven't been tracking that closely to be certain how much. I'll make sure I write it down.

About the skimmer sock - living over 185 miles from the nearest pool store, I'll have to do an online search to find a source for it, so I won't be able to try it for about a week.

So true about the precious minutes - I homeschool my four kids (ages 6-14) and so often find myself wrapped up in the tasks of being the maid (laundry, dishes, lessons) that I forget to take the time to be a mom. Thanks for the reminder. And for taking time to respond!