they do each year. However, since I had recently purchased a Vortex Energizer,
once the pool was filled I attached the energizer to a long shoe string
and submerged it. I then walked around the perimeter of the pool three or four times with the energizer trailing in the water beside me. Finally, I attached the shoe
string to the ladder of the pool and left the energizer dangling in the pool water.
Two weeks later, the water remained absolutely clear and we began to swim. The lack of chemical smell was apparent as I had added no bromine or other chemicals.
Normally, upon opening the pool I take a water sample into the pool store,
where it is tested. They then provide me with a variety of chemicals to add
so that the water is balanced and I can begin the weekly addition of bromine
and 'clear'. It is not unusual to add many pounds of chemicals following
the first water test. This year, one month after introducing the energizer to the pool,
I took a water sample into the pool store. Apart from the initial shock and
algaecide, no chemicals had been added to the water. I was informed that the
water was 'perfect' and that the chemical balance was fine. I asked
specifically about the alkalinity level and was told that it was fine. I
indicated that the at-home test strips indicated a 'zero' level for
alkalinity and that indeed I had not yet added any. I was informed that the
test strips must not be accurate since they were from the previous year and
that obviously sufficient chemicals had been introduced to the water. I
decided not to argue and to simply continue to enjoy
my sparkling clean, chemical free pool."
~ P.C., Wiarton, Ontario, Canada