Hey Chlorinator – I’ll be back!

Before Rob died, my only responsibilities as far as the pool was concerned were as follows:

1. Buy nice big cushy pool towels
2. Make sure we always had lots of sunscreen
3. Find floaties to fit the adults as well
4. Have enough novels to last the summer
5. FLOAT

I am a little (not very) ashamed to say that I NEVER did any of the work to open or close the pool. Never worried about the chemicals. Knew, in theory, how to use the strip to check the water / chemical levels but never chose to do so. Never ever hooked up the vacuum to clean the pool.

So …this summer, can you say LEARNING CURVE?

I learned that I had to add chlorine pucks regularly to that “thing beside the pump”.

First problem there? I should NOT be allowed to be in close contact with any kind of bleach!

Next, I am not sure when the last time was that someone opened the chlorinator but I am pretty sure it was likely Rob and he was infinitely stronger than I am. I tried and tried to twist it open (all the while chant-singing in my head “Righty tighty, lefty loosey) until it finally turned quickly jamming my thumb nail in between the canister and the lid. OUCH!

LessonS learned?

1. Don’t wear your NEW shirt when dealing with chlorine. That should have been a no brainer!
2. Ask your son to open the hard-to-open lids – ALWAYS!