I really appreciate your replies! I'm sorry to have so many questions, but I'm still trying to make this make sense. I've been brainwashed by the pool store for way too long. I've never had any problems with algae or CYA until now, so I'm a little overwhelmed. And I've never had to deal with copper, so I'm really trying to put this all together.

So I'll use enough bleach to reach 25ppm for my weekly shock, and I'll keep it between 8 and 15 daily, right? This is as long as my CYA is sky high? (BTW, I tested it with some strips and it shows between 50 and 100 - can I believe the ALEX system?) This is the only pool store with a computerized testing system in my area.

With the chlorine levels this high, does this mean no swimming until it can be at 3 ppm?

Do I need to worry about the copper level? Since my pool place can't tell me what the reading is, I don't know what to do about it. I know I can order a test kit, but in the meantime, the copper is still there (I guess). Does it eventually go away?

Thanks again for all your help!