Thank you very much. My son was supposed to have been testing the water but I think we let the levels get away from us this week, what with the rain, the heat, and more sunlight. It wasn't as bad as it is today, and I basically never noticed, and thought hubby was seeing things when he told me there were some new stains.

I will get the water tested tomorrow at the pool supply store, and have son do it with our kit too. Hubby wanted to buy some shock tonight, so we did. I resisted the salesman's pitch for algaecide, though. Do I need the algaecide if I'm already shocking? That stuff is EXPENSIVE!!! We did buy a wire brush and hubby is out there brushing the walls and floor right now. Is that OK & a good thing to do?

Why is CYA level so important? I know you are not supposed to get that number ultra-high, or you have to drain off water to get rid of it.

Do you think I will be able to get this at least under control and then be able to leave it for a week?