Richard, thanks for the info. Yes, I have a gunite pool. I may try out a test week or two with the lower TA and see what happens to pH before thinking of increasing CH.

As the season progresses, I had planned on even increasing my CYA level to a solid 50, possibly 60. So if I understand correctly, having a lower TA then would be less desireable to maintaining water balance...targeting toward 80 would be preferable.

Using acidic sources of chlorine is not an issue for me, it's bleach all the way when necessary.