adjust cya before or after shocking

[Kateyru]

We just had a nasty storm go through so I fished a branch out of the pool, emptied the skimmer basket then checked chlorine. It seems to be at 20. This is 2 hours after shocking. I think the weather is going to be fine till Sunday but, for clarification, if I thought there was a chance that skimmer and/or drains would get clogged or filter would fill, I should completely shut the pump down??? and not leave it on the timer (currently set for about 8 hours per day)?

[BigDave]

Sorry, didn't know you had a timer. If you're comfortable having it on when you are away then by all means leave it on or on timer. The concern is that if you're away, unable to check, and something should stop the flow of water, you may end up with pump damage.

[Kateyru]

That's a little scary...I was thinking that I might "lose ground" so to speak with clearing the algae if the pump didn't run for 3 days. Is it better to just let it run or to use timer given the algae invasion?

[Watermom]

I'm hesitant to leave mine running so long unattended. But, mostly because of all the trees around. Especially right now, the trees are dropping an incredible amount into the pool. I have so many 'helicopters' falling out of my maple trees, that if I could sell them for a nickel a piece, I'd be rich!

[Kateyru]

I got home last night, and pool looks really good! Woot, woot! No green algae, chlorine seems to be at 12 based on dilution test. Do I need to get back to shock level, i.e. 15 or just leave it alone??
Also, I think there is some dead algae in the pool...looks like whitish dust. Do I need to vacuum? Will my Dolphin robotic cleaner get it up? Can I just leave it in there? Weather has cooled down so I won't likely swim for a week or 2 so am happy to avoid the vacuum.
My new K2006 test is scheduled to arrive today.
Thanks to all of you again for all your help.

[BigDave]

Welcome home, hope you had a great time.
Since your K-2006 is coming soon, let's do this: Let's get the pool back to shock level and mainatain that until we can get reliable and accurate reading for CYA, FC and CC (with the new kit). If you have 2 gallons of bleach on hand, put 'em in now. Start the pump and leave it running - backwash as necessary when the pressure rises 8-10 above clean. If you don't have the K-2006 by this evening, test CL by dilution again and let us know.

[Kateyru]

will do!