Hi Janet, just letting you know I received the CYA reagent a couple days ago (sorry, I haven't posted, we've REALLY been enjoying the pool EVERYDAY lately! even having school friends over. ) I tested water and the black dot is still visable, although it disapeared when the vile was completely FULL, so I might be getting close. I'm taking into account the fact that I keep adding water each time I skim the bottom with the hose attachment. Anyway, after testing I added more stablilizer via sock yesterday morning and will give it a few days before testing again.

Everything else is GREAT, I believe I experienced the ULTIMATE pool water (a beautiful, clear bluish tint) which is now the standard for which I strive for every day. Until that happened, we didn't know our well water COULD look like that!

The last time I added water, i added 1oz sequestrant BEFORE filling, then 1oz algecide the morning after and the water returned to blue. I'm also using exact chemial measurments then waiting to see if ONE dose works as opposed to dumping lots in. Yes, I've learned patience works!

I also tried the "sock method" of pre-filtering I read on another thread for removing iron, not sure if it worked since I tried it mid-fill but, it certainly can't hurt, right? Anything to filter those metals! Actually, what made me try it was seeing the nasty, merky hose water spewing forth into my LOVELY clear blue water! Hubby wondered what was wrong when he heard "OH NO YOU DON'T!" as I ran through the house stuffing one of his tube socks with batting.