first complete test - does this sound right?

[CarlD]

Ok, in a F/G pool, with a T/A of 160, stop worrying about T/A. Like a vinyl pool, anything below 180 is effectively normal. If your pH is in the 7.3-7.8 range, you are done (re: T/A). If your pH is 6.9-7.2, aerate to raise pH back over 7.3 without raising T/A, but that's all.

Now worry about the other stuff...

Pretty much nothing else to add to Dave S's recommendations.

[haeffnkr]

Carl - Dave and all,

Now I find out my alk is OK - but I got it down anyway...haha.
My numbers now are
FC 8.5
CC 0
PH 7.2 -7.3
ALK - 130

So my Alk is down and my Cl is holding better only used about 6 ppm in 24 hours - my water is very clear now.

I truly thank all for the help, I have learned so much.

Kevin