Here's my numbers

[MaryLee]

He said I probably wouldn't need to test for CYA much, but from what I've read here, my CYA level will determine what my CL level needs to be, so I'll be checking that anyway.

I like to keep my CYA level around 30-40. Since you are already at 30, you may want to consider just using bleach and forget about the "sticks" which are trichlor. They will quickly raise your CYA levels. I tend to use my chlorinator for times when I'm out of town only or if I need to up my CYA a little upon opening. Even though he's giving you chemicals for "free", in the long run they may mess up your pool costing you more money to fix. Stick with the bleach

[KurtV]

Judy,
Please let me commend you on doing your research AND asking good questions. It's obvious that you're taking responsibility for YOUR pool and that you're taking control of it. Keep reading here and asking questions and you'll do great.

Watermom and MaryLee are giving you good advice re: CYA and bagging the sticks and pucks in favor of bleach.

[jnorris]

Judy,
Please let me commend you on doing your research AND asking good questions. It's obvious that you're taking responsibility for YOUR pool and that you're taking control of it. Keep reading here and asking questions and you'll do great.

Watermom and MaryLee are giving you good advice re: CYA and bagging the sticks and pucks in favor of bleach.

Aw, you're too kind! Thanks for the encouragement. This is all new to me. A few weeks ago I couldn't even tell you what a skimmer was; and now, I can backwash my filter!

RE: the sticks; you know, I asked him that very question tonight. If I need to raise my CL and do it by setting the feeder higher, won't that also increase my CYA? I'm wondering if I can't just get my CYA where I want it, and then stop using the sticks and just use bleach for regular sanitation. And if my CYA drops, can I switch back to using the sticks again? But then again, we are away alot (will be out of town for at least a week each month this summer) so maybe I need to stay with the sticks? And if I do switch to bleach, can I still use the Cal Hypo to shock? I know that using bleach to shock would probably be cheaper, but I really don't want to be buying cartloads of bleach every week.

Judy

[KurtV]

Aw, you're too kind! Thanks for the encouragement. This is all new to me. A few weeks ago I couldn't even tell you what a skimmer was; and now, I can backwash my filter!

RE: the sticks; you know, I asked him that very question tonight. If I need to raise my CL and do it by setting the feeder higher, won't that also increase my CYA?
Yes. That's exactly right. You'll be adding CYA all the time.

I'm wondering if I can't just get my CYA where I want it, and then stop using the sticks and just use bleach for regular sanitation.
Exactly.

And if my CYA drops, can I switch back to using the sticks again?
Your CYA won't normally drop on its own (with some exceptions; search the forum for threads on biodegradation of CYA)

But then again, we are away alot (will be out of town for at least a week each month this summer) so maybe I need to stay with the sticks?
Good thinking, almost. Save the sticks for those times when you'll be out of town. That way your CYA won't build up to crazy levels like it will if you use the sticks all the time.

And if I do switch to bleach, can I still use the Cal Hypo to shock? I know that using bleach to shock would probably be cheaper, but I really don't want to be buying cartloads of bleach every week.
You really shouldn't need to shock that often. Only when you have combined chlorine in excess of 0.5 ppm. You can shock with cal-hypo, but remember that you'll be adding calcium to your water every time you do (you didn't post your calcium number so I don't know if that will be an immediate problem or not).

Judy

Again, you've got a great start on this.