Hi!

Well, this is my story:

This is the equipment I have -

Intex 18'x48" Metal Frame above ground pool, 6,423 gals.
Intex Sand Filter Pump, Model SF20110, 2,650 gph
Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System CS8110

Set it up late last season, seemed ok. Water got skunky green over the short winter, and had a lot of winter rain for Texas (we needed it badly). This is my first pool, so am still learning on it.

Spent the last three weeks shocking, cleaning and algeaciding the water. Got the salt level correct, PH at 7.5, alkalinity at 120, and CYA at 30, but couldn't get it to hold any chlorine. De-scaled the anodes in the SWG, and changed the sand in the filter. Googled around and landed here where I read that too much ammonia would eat up the chlorine, and it might be better to drain and start again. Water was blue grey cloudy and I just couldn't get it clear.

So, thats what I am doing today, draining the pool. I bought new sand and will change it out and refill tomorrow. After reading some things here, it seems like you guys aren't real sure about the salt water generators. I guess I'd like to read up and get advice on startign the pool up without all of the salt first and then go from there and decide which way to go.

Now, is there a pool test kit that doesn't require color matching, for us red/green colorblind guys? Even my wife isn't too sure about matching the test strips, and we had a small 3 test kit last summer. I'd like a recommendation prior to picking up something.

Ok, gotta go read up on your BBB method now. The thread "Pool pH is at the "ideal" level, but alkalinity is super high" caught my eye and I thought this might be the best place to get real answers.

Thank you for having this forum!