Are my Levels OK?

[mroll]

Unfortunately I just added 3 ounces of dichlor and I can only test mornings on weekends. I really dont think its algae but I will brush Saturday evening or Sunday when it is not raining. Just difficult for me to bush from the outside. Thanks

[BigDave]

With a CYA of 40, the FC must stay above 3ppm all the time - I'd target no lower than 4ppm for regular maintenance. My guess is the same as Charlie_R's - this pool has seen a few low FC excursions and has a nascent algae bloom. Use bleach to bring the FC over 15 and keep it over 15 until one day after all these things are true: The pool loses less than 1 ppm FC from sunset to sunrise. The CC is nearly 0 (less than one drop after adding CC reagent). The pool is clear. then let it drop down to no less than 4 ppm.

[mroll]

Ok Dave...
Two days now holding overnight readings...CC is 0..pool always clear..Its losing a lot during the day though but I'm adding more bleach to reach the 15 ppm..
Losing during the day is OK right? Even though I'm using only a drop of the powder reagent, I can see it going fast using it twice a day. Can I buy a cheap test to use once in awhile?
Thank again for all your help
Marcy

[BigDave]

Replacement reagents are available and not too dear. OTO would be fine for checking during normal operations but while shocking the pool OTO can't measure high enough.

It sounds like the shock process is complete. Losing chlorine during the day is inevitable, that's just what the sun does. It sounds like it's time to let the FC return to normal (4 or 5).