You are right. I was lured in to buy chemicals I really do not need. I have stopped using them and just kept my chlorine level according to Ben's chart and so far my pool has not looked better. I use baking soda to raise the Alk and muratic acid to lower the pH and that is about it. I did have to raise my CYA recently right before I went on vacation for a week as I was losing my chlorine quickly (was very hot that week 105 degrees everyday). I did throw in a 1 lb bag of shock the day before I left and when I got back home the chlorine level was still between 5-10 which is in line with my CYA level (70-80).

Thanks for the advice.