After adding Borax, water is drying out skin.

[Willjay]

I'd seen in another thread discussing higher chlorine levels to compensate for higher CYA levels conceding that it was fine although it might irritate the eyes more. This is not desirable. I'm sure it was for much higher levels of CYA than 80 but I think I got my wires crossed about the chlorine levels I'd have to run.

But your last post says it would be running "FC at 5% of your CYA or 4 PPM" which I have no problem with and is already at least what my chlorine level is and there are no complaints.

Incidentally I've managed to lower my total alkalinity to closer to 100 over the weekend. The pool store guys, as well as a salt cell rep I talked with over the phone told me that to lower alkalinity you should add the acid when the pumps weren't on. My TA's never moved.

[chem geek]

I'd seen in another thread discussing higher chlorine levels to compensate for higher CYA levels conceding that it was fine although it might irritate the eyes more. This is not desirable. I'm sure it was for much higher levels of CYA than 80 but I think I got my wires crossed about the chlorine levels I'd have to run.

I don't know where you read that but it is unlikely to be true. The active chlorine level in the water with an FC that is 5% of the CYA level is less than then equivalent of 0.05 ppm FC with no CYA so 20 times lower than normally found in tap water. The active chlorine level is proportional to the FC/CYA ratio, not to FC alone. A high FC, by itself, doesn't mean anything except how much chlorine is in reserve -- it does not determine chlorine's strength (reaction rate). The chlorine bound to CYA reacts at least 100 times more slowly than unbound active chlorine (i.e. hypochlorous acid).

[waterbear]

Incidentally I've managed to lower my total alkalinity to closer to 100 over the weekend. The pool store guys, as well as a salt cell rep I talked with over the phone told me that to lower alkalinity you should add the acid when the pumps weren't on. My TA's never moved.

Totally false and this bit of misinformation just refuses to die even though it has been debunked again and again!

THIS is how to lower TA!

[Willjay]

Yah, Evan, the No-pump-acid-add method never did anything for me. And I've tried it many times over the years. However, last weekend I followed this sites advice and I managed to drop it to closer to 100. Had my nephews in town over the weekend and had a nice lower pH pool waiting for them to do their thing. Worked like a charm.

Also, you and chem geek have sold me on the raising my CYA. Will do it after my good kit comes in.