Thanks for all of the input. This is my parent's pool in Illinois, and I'm here for 3 weeks trying to get things fixed. I have a small Intex 15' pool in Oregon, and this site has made maintaing it so much easier. I'm hoping to get my parents pool in shape, and get them converted to BBB, etc.

I'm using the taylor k2006 test kit. The first time I tested CYA per the directions, the dot wasn't visible at a pretty low level, well below the 100 mark (so higher CYA level than 100). I then diluted 1/2 pool water and half tap water, and it's still below the 100 mark. All this says it must be >200.

We've got water rationing regulations right now, and the pool is large enough (L shaped 16'x40' in both directions) that a plastic sheet isn't possible for the drain/refill method you described. That's why I'm trying to find an alternative.

On a positive note, I did print out and have my Mom read some of the material here, and pool chemistry overview on one of the posts. She wasn't really buying my pleas to stop using stabalized chlorine until she read what I printed. Tonight, she was telling me how bad the stabilized stuff is! Yeah. Now, if we could get the CYA fixed...

Thanks again.