Quote Originally Posted by bcdavenp View Post
Question -- at what point can I go back to using my chlorine tabs in the inline chlorinator? Also, I do have staining around the bottom edge of pool - so I know I will have to use some form of a stain lifter, then some metal-free to sequester the metal. When do I do that?
You gotta get one of these test kits, test your CYA, and tell us what you've got. The Walmart kit is a subset of the K2006, but it includes the CYA test.
HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon
It would be best if you could get the K2006 from Amazon. If you do, you can ALSO get some HEDP, which is the only chlorine compatible effective sequestrant. Using SMALL doses of that will help prevent further staining, and will possible lift some of your stains. The effect is temporary (weeks, not months) so it's not a permanent solution. But some of the metal well come out on your filter.

Do NOT use the Metal Free products -- all of the ones I have checked have relatively ineffective ingredients. Some can cause problems with your pool water.
Jacks Magic The Pink Stuff 1qt (60% HEDP) @ Amazon
20% KemTek HEDP @ Amazon
If you want to begin actually REMOVING metal (probably iron) from your pool water,
the CuLator product is a special patented plastic material, contained in a bag that goes into the skimmer, that can slowly take metals OUT of your pool water. We think it works, and have some evidence that it does, but not proof yet. (Not likely to be available locally.)
1 ppm Culator @ Amazon
1.5 ppm Culator sold by Amazon, shipped from Periodic
4 ppm Culator sold by Amazon, shipped from Periodic
Poolmaster 16242 Poolmaster Skimmer Basket Liner @ Amazon (to protect CuLator from being damaged by scum)