Pool Chemistry

This year I thought it would be a fun & groovy thing to have a pool for Espen to swim in.  And yes it is, now that it is running smoothly.  But it is alot of work.  Will I do it next year... OH HECK YES! 

It started as an idea when I realized how much I spent on time and gas and entry fees and energy going to the pool last year.   And then Menard's had a sale!  And I convinced the husband that it would be a good idea & that I could indeed maintaine one.  So we got it.  The first one was 9' round x 30" deep.  

Then someone had to go and read the rules in the city of Bellevue (it was NOT ME).  And someone was really concerned about a ticket.  So we returned that pool.  A pool that size in our great city would require a 6 foot fence around just the pool & a self locking gate.  I was not about to fence a kiddie pool that cost $50!  And I have a 4 foot fenced in yard & dogs to keep intruding children out!  So my plans for a pool were squashed. 

THEN we saw Cabella's had one that was 8' round x 30" deep... it is under the requirement for a fence... so $45 later we were rocking it!!  Anders leveled the ground & we prepped & set up that pool.  Espen was incredibly excited and it was super hard to be patient!  But he did it and man was it awesome!!  Then about 4 days later I had a chemical experiment happen and we had to drain it and start fresh. 

Now I have equipped myself with knowledge and supplies (I think) and I have battled my pool.  It is crystal clear & clean.  It is not overly chlorinated.  It is perfect for one small boy to totally enjoy.  And when necessary 3 adults can join him!  I've since invested in a ladder and pool toys.  We have chairs by it & an umbrella.  We cover it at night and test it daily.  I don't want anyone to get sick or harmed from a chemical experiment or contamination.  We have had to shut it down once because of a child caused problem... lessons learned THE SHORTS STAY ON...

There is so much information out there about pools but it is all so jumbled it is hard to make sense of the test strips & chemicals... but I'm getting there... and for the one who did not like chemistry or math or computing.. this is a challenge... and my husband is not excited about the pool, the expense, being in it, the chemicals, the water -- really all of it -- he is ready for me to fail so we can pack it all up & say we tried...

The reward of seeing such happy faces in the pool is worth it to me!!  And when I get to my forever house, just maybe I will convince my partner that I can handle the responsibility of a big pool... because the 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist needs a practice pool at home!!