pool chemicals

Question
Thanks for getting back to me.   We had a pool company come out.  We have an automatice Chlorine or Bromine feeder and they showed us how to use the stuff.  We had the sand changed in the filter and shocked the pool.  I was not putting in enough shock for one thing.  I also didn't know how to fill the feeder so got instruction on that now too.   Apparently there was not enough chlorine either.  They recommended bromine for the indoor pool as it is supposed to keep the water more clear.  Less solids to build up.   Does this make sense?   Our eyes have been burning with the chlorine and the water was never as clear as it should be when swimming under water, you couldn't see.  Looked good from above but not crystal clear.   I think I'm learning, give me your feedback on bromine vs chlorine.   Thanks for the help.   jerrie

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Followup To
Question -
just bought a home with a large indoor pool.  Can't seem to get the water in balance.  The test strips they sold us at the pool store keep telling me I need algeastat or something.  total alkalinity and PH are fine.  The water is usually clear.   some times a little cloudy but not bad.   We have a chlorine bromine feeder and the previous owner used 1" chlorine tabs.  They sold us Bavaquil brand stuff at the pool store but told us nothing about trying to make us a chlorine free pool.  From reading the fine print on the stuff, it appears that chlorine free is what that brand is all about.  do I have a chemical conflict?     I am still putting in Chlorine tabs and it generally clears after a day.   I'm concerned because we got no explanation about options for the pool ie: to use chlorine or not, pros and cons of chlorine free vs chlorine.  We weren't given a choice and at that point didn't realize we had one.  I'm not sure what is best from a cost stand point, health, ease of maintenance or any other aspect.  Obviously, we've never had a pool before.   Do I want to be chlorine free or not?   Help, education, something to go on...  thanks
Answer -
sorry about the wait for an answer. The nice part about an indoor pool is that you will not need to spend a ton of money to keep the pool in balance because you are not fighting the weather. as far as i know about bavaquil, it is an expensive non chlorine water sanitizer. personally, i think (provided nobody coming in contact with the water has an adverse reaction to it) you should use chlorine. the 1" chlorine tabs are pretty inexpensive (as far as pool chemicals go). you should take a water sample into a pool store and have them test the water. the test strips give an alright ballpark of what the water balance is, but you need to get specific if you want to get set up into a routine. from a cost stand point, make sure the water is sanitizer free (Cl,Br, or anything else) and balance the total alkalinity and Ph. from there, shock the water with power chlorine and begin using the 1" tabs to keep a steady level of Cl in the water. this will be the easiest to maintain and cost the least. if you are putting in Cl tabs and it still wont hold a steady level, you need to shock the water to kill whatever is using up that Cl in the water and you may need to turn up your chlorinator. if you are new to having a pool you should go to a local pool store and get some reading material. I know for sure leslies pool supplies has free very basic information, but im sure most in your area will be able to come up with something. hope that helps you out. good look, im sure once you get into a routine you will love that indoor pool. take care.

Answer
Jerrie,
 Sorry about the wait for an answer. I just got back from military training. With an indoor pool you should go with bromine. It will not have as strong a smell as the chlorine and will be less harsh on your skin. The only difference with switching from bromine to chlorine is that you have to be very careful you dont mix chlorine in your bromine pool. It can explode. When you want to make the switch, make sure there is no chlorine in your water, and contact your local pool store for information on the steps you need to go through to maintain and shock your pool. Good luck and take care.