thanks....I did use the original dose of 60% algaecide on the first day (from the kiddie pool care advice)....I will discontinue use of that. I will get the sock and CYA in there when I get home....in the meantime (per another thread...which I still maintain should be a sticky!) I will hit it with bleach in the evening and before swimming until the stabilizer has had time to build up.

as for pH....I see it slide down each day as well...is it just finding its "comfort zone" and I should leave well enough alone....or should I be dosing with borax to keep it up as well?