Where to start?

[keithw]

If your CYA is 90+ you will have to permanently maintain your CL above what your current test kits is capable of reading and shock to well above what it can test. And since you have not definite grasp on your total pool volume, bleachcacl.exe can't be considerly wholly reliable for you. I would recommend that you quickly get a test kit that will test CL levels higher than 5ppm. A dpd-fas test kit. The Taylor K-2006 is very affordable $45ish, and readily available most and pool stores. It'll test up to 20PPM.

[Steve #1]

Is it acceptable to "cut?" the pool water with distiled water to be able to use the test kit I have now untill I get a better one?

[GraceByDesign]

yes, you may use 2 or 3 parts distilled to one part pool, and multiply your result by 3 or 4, accordingly. You lose some accuracy, but it will get you closer than "well, it looks dark brown"!

This is affectionatly known on this forum as "CarlD's shot glass method"

[knarf#2]

Just curious if you can accomplish the shot gun method by reducing the number of test drops required i.e. for FC my test kit tells me to add 5 drops. What if I only add 1 or 2 drops and multiply accordingly? If this method works it eliminates a step (adding distilled water) and saves on testing liquids.

[Steve #1]

Well, knarf, sounded like a good enough idea to me so I gave it a shot to see what happened. Used 1 drop instead of 5 and it was darker than 5 which would put me at 25 so I'm probably at about 30....... or this method doesn't work.

[keithw]

Doesn't work. You have to dilute the water with distilled water. But loses accuracy. Better to get a DPD-FAS test kit that test higher than 5PPM.

[Steve #1]

Thanks for the buzz kill keithw.

It appears that the high CYA is the root of my problem and from what I understand, the only way to lower it is to replace the water. With the level of CYA, about how much water am I looking at replacing to get to a more manageable level? I'm guessing this would also help the Harness level?

With this in mind, anyone know the effects of pool water on grass? We're under mandatory water rationing here and it's a $1500 fine if you water your yard any time other than your 12 hours a week you are allowed however usage for pool maintenance is allowed. I could kill two birds with one stone if it wouldn't have ill effects on my sun baked grass.

...... and thanks for all the help so far.