Quote Originally Posted by swimg View Post
I'd rather not have to calculate the CYA since I don't have a kit to test that and it's one more thing to do.
I'm not sure you understand the choice here: on outdoor pool, you have two options:
#1 - you can manage your CYA level, by testing, and maintaining enough but not too much AND a chlorine level appropriate for your CYA level
OR
#2 - you can have a pool that runs very badly, except when you are very lucky!

There are three chemical values that are CRITICAL on ALL pools: chlorine, pH and stabilizer. On indoor pools, if you've never added CYA, you can assume CYA=0. But on outdoor pools you MUST have stabilizer (unless you want add chlorine 4x per day, on sunny days).

So . . . it really comes down to what do you want more:
=> Avoid having to get another test kit, OR
=> Avoid having a pool a pool that's a pain to maintain.

It's your choice.