First off, Thanks for the site! I filled out the pool info sheet. I also did FB and twitter.

I'm having a big problem with yellow algae. It stated a month or two ago with small spots and I was just able to brush it away. It got the point last week where all the walls, bottom and steps were covered. The algae brushes off easily and is like a powder when brushed. I have peen using a pool store for water tests. I ordered a Taylor K2006 today.

Brief History - I have used kept my pool pretty will balanced by pool store standards. I took your advice several years ago and use baking soda and borax instead of their products. I also use the Quat you recommend and don’t use other additives. Due to budgets, I skimped on Borax and quat most of last year and this year.

I started asking questions this summer and my CYA is over 100. In the 10 years at the house I haven’t done a water drain/refill. I'd like to do one this winter. I use cal hypo 73% as shock and have also used bleach in the past.

So my question is - Where do I start? Do I drain and then deal with the algae later or attack the algae first?

Thank you!