Ok
I have received my new pool kit. I have discovered that in reality my CYA readings are so high, that I have changed nearly 70% of the pool volume and still my CYA readings finally made it on the scale today at around 80. I plan on changing more water after my foot heals (on a side note, I managed to get 8 stitches in my foot yesterday so I can't be running around the pool so much for the next week or so).

Readings from today:

CYA 80
FC 5 ppm (I have gotten this down from 48 ppm in a week)
pH 7.9
TA 240 ppm
CH 180 ppm

I believe the salty taste of the water was all the CYA...but I think I am still needing to get my water changed a bit more before I really go after balancing it. I think I should be bringing down the pH.