Quote Originally Posted by alapool
What kind of effect should I expect with the FC between 3 and 6 ppm? Will it cause the liner life to go way down? Will it cause skin irritations? Will it cause hair to become "straw-like"? These are issues I want to avoid. And what level does my CYA need to be if I want to keep the FC down between 2 and 3 ppm?

Also, how long does it take for the FC levels to come back down to the normal levels after I shock? When is it safe to swim again?
You won't even know there is chlorine in the pool at 3-6 ppm IF you keep your combined chlorine under control, which is easy. As to CYA levels, search for "Ben's Best Guess" on here and you will find details.

How long the FC will stay up is totally dependent on the situation. Sunlight, water condition, CYA level, bather load, cover use etc.. You are usually good to go the next day, but you need to test. I only shock about once or twice a year while we are swimming, so I don't have much to go on.