Just received my Taylor K-2006 test kit today. The results were eye-opening. And have left me with no idea how to proceed.

I live in Phoenix. In the winter months, my pool needs little attention, but as the temperatures rise, so does my frustration with keeping algae at bay. I clearly did not jump on this soon enough, because about a month ago, I had my first algae bloom. At the time, I couldn't test chlorine levels above 5 ppm, but 4 gallons liquid chlorine seemed to do the trick. Cleared up few days later, but Cl levels stayed off my tests chart.

I noticed that the TA was high, so I began your suggested method of lowering the ph to 7.2, aerating, and maintain that ph until the TA reached 120. That happened today, so I'm still aerating to bring the ph back up.

In the meantime, I ordered my K-2006. I'm still getting algae on the walls and steps, though the Cl levels never dipped below 5 ppm (the highest on my previous kit). Generally, the water looks cloudy, but not green-cloudy.

Today's results from my new K-2006 test are as follows:

FC = 21
CC = .5
pH = 7.2
TA = 120
Calcium Hardness = 775
CYA = 100 +++ (it can't measure above 100, but the water level hadn't even gotten on to the chart before I stopped seeing the lack dot in the bottom)
Saturation Index = 1.25

Obviously, it's the last 3 values that have me concerned. I realize that I operate at a higher Cl level to compensate for the high stabilizer, but is it safe if I don't know just how high the CYA is? What about the calcium? Is my only option to drain, fully or partially?

I'd love to say I'm new at this, but I've had this pool for ten years, and I've never quite gotten the hang of it. Every year I make a new mistake and learn something new. I love how much information I can find on your website, but sometimes I can't find the answer specific to my situation (i.e. multiple issues at once). Even so, I'm bound and determined to that this year I will finally have swimming pool nirvana...or a nervous breakdown...the season's only just begun.

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated.