Thanks Anna! I've filled out the Pool Chart Entry form with the appropriate info

Interestingly enough, there is no mention on the bottle of Alk (Eco-Alk?) on the chemical that is included... Didn't know this was legal for a company not to include the ingredient list, but apparently it is! Possibly Borax labelled another way to sell for a higher margin at the pool store ... Either way, it seemed to work fine. My pH has raised to 7.4 and Alcalinity is in the 90+ range, so all is good on that side.

My testing is very basic. I'm using the Red and Yellow drops (Phenol), which will give me some idea of pH and Chlorine... I also often bring a sample at pool store, but the folks there haven't been very thorough in their analysis I find... essentially they test pH and Cl also. No idea on my CYA level. It should be fine because the Chlorine level seem to hold up well... although I would love to have it tested because I'm wondering if it could be too high? (which would lower the impact of Chlorine). I haven't added any stabilizer deliberately, aside from the chlorine tablets in the floater

The kid at the pool store freaked out when I told him the shock treatment I did yesterday (1 gallon of bleach 10% + 2 pounds of calcium hypochlorite at about 50% Cl.), he said it was too much for a shock. I think he might be mistaken based on what I read here from all the folks with field experience w/ strong algae presence Then again, he's the same guy who told me to stop shock treatments w/ chlorine for a few days and go with 40% algaecide.... (!)

Will drop another gallon of bleach 10% tonight, hoping this shock will help. I don't dare go with 2 or 3 gallons yet since I don't have clear visibility on my Cl levels.... my testing kit is to basic to read high levels and really follow the evolution..