Stupid Question...

[Watermom]

Yes, this is the perfect time start with using bleach! You can either pour the bleach slowly into the skimmer (which is what I usually do) or pour it slowly in front of a return jet. Either way, be careful to avoid splashing it on the liner or on yourself. It is no more likely to affect swimmers' eyes than any other forum of chlorine. Just give it a few minutes to disperse into the pool before swimming so as not to swim through any "hot pockets" of bleach.

When you open, post some current water testing results taken with a drops-based kit. (We like the Taylor K-2006 or K-2006C.) Someone here can take a look for you and advise you of anything you need to do.

[OddJob]

Bleach and Chlorine are two different names for the same thing (sodium hypochlorite).

(says the newbie who is learning as well)

[AnnaK]

If you do pour the bleach into the skimmer make sure your pump is running at the time and that the chlorinator is turned off.

[Watermom]

Yes. Thank you, Anna.

[Ken S]

If you do pour the bleach into the skimmer make sure your pump is running at the time and that the chlorinator is turned off.

The water flows from my filter, thru the chlorinator and into the pool so I cannot shut it off. If I use bleach I would think I could just disconnect the chlorinator.

[Watermom]

That is correct.