First pool, might be our LAST...name says it all!

[CarlD]

Switching to bleach is no problem. All chlorine is chlorine once it's in the water. You just cannot mix them together--like pouring bleach over Cal-Hypo powder or Tri-chlor tablets is a really, really bad idea! (don't ask why--just don't do it.)

You can read higher amounts of chlorine (ignore the bromine) with your tester by diluting the pool water with steam distilled water (avail at your supermarket). If you dilute it one to one, you can double the reading you get. Use 2 parts distilled and 1 part pool and you can triple the reading.

I like to use a shot glass to measure because it's simple, easy, and very accurate.

[swamp mistress]

Today: added 1 cup bleach @ 10am, another cup @ 3pm. Took new filter out and flushed it (noticably not as bad as the first filter..)

Here's the GOOD NEWS!...the water is a little clearer this evening, we can actually see the 2nd step on the ladder!! whoohoo!!!!!!!!

6pm test results: (HTH 6-way test kit from Wallmart)
CL: below .5 (I'm guessing you'll tell me to add more..)
Ph: 7.3
Cya: Black dot never disappeared
Alka: 190 ppm
Hardness: 120 ppm (test water never turned "red", only purple...took 12 drops to turn from purple to blue)

A neighbor stopped by who has a larger pool, said to add "stabilizer".....I told him I'd have to check with you FIRST! Yes? No?