So lost!

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

***This advice is based on test strip results which are border-line useless. Get results from a pool store or use a kit and dilute the water if necessary.***

Ratgirl,
There have been discussions on this post about the effectiveness (or lack there of!) of chlorine at high pH levels. I am not sure how much an effect a 8.4pH would have but it is NOT GOOD! You need to add some muratic acid as chlorine is most effective in the 7.2-7.4 zone of the safe range. Once you have the pH down some I think the chlorine will be more effective in cleaning up the pool.

I noticed that the CYA is between 100-150 (need more specific numbers) but this coupled with the high pH is rendering that 10ppm of chlorine rather useless. You need to get the chlorine level into shock territory for CYA of >100 and also get the pH down ASAP!

[Rangeball]

I was just reading some info today that stated chlorine was most effective at PH levels too acidic for a pool. At the recommended PH of 7.6, it is only 50% effective. Any higher and the effectiveness drops off the map.