draining pool, when would you really need to?

[CToon]

Hi coryinsocal ,

With your CYA where it is now , you have a couple of options

1. Buy a test kit that is capable of testing CL levels at the levels you need to keep it at, per the best guess chart. The one Ben sells does , and its worth having even if you didnt need to keep CL high ... walmart kit is only a cheap alternative at best , as you see.

2. Do a partial drain to lower the CYA levels . THe accepted level is kind of subjective and almost a matter of choice , but most will agree on the 20- 60 range . In Socal , with hot sunny days , I would go with something like 50 but thats just me

3. THe last option is probably my least choice, but you can make it work... keep the cya level where it is and use the walmart kit . You'll have to dilute the pool water with distilled water every time you test it , but it will work.If you do decide to go this route , look for CarlD's shot glass method , probably the easiest diluting method.