A lovely read, Christopher. We also had a diatomaceous pool that we so preferred.

One year after a storm, our daughter went out for a swim and came back in hysterics saying there was a dead dog in the pool.

'I assured her there was no way a dog could get near the pool, but when I went out, there was indeed a dead dog in our pool.

To this day we have no idea, but the dog must have been frantic and had defecated in the pool.

It cost us a fortune to have it cleaned.

The owner came to pick it up, explaining they were doing renovations and had forgotten to close a gate.

Not once did she thank us for tracking her down, nor offer to pay fro cleaning.

It kind of took the shine off the pool for a while.

Loved your transition story.