Hi all.

Spring wouldn't be the same without my annual post to poolforum. I began using Ben's bleach method about 4 years ago when my CYA was off the charts and I had to run the pool at about 15ppm to keep it clear. In that time, I haven't had a single problem. I'm a bleach convert. With that said I have some new developments and a couple questions.

1) After 4 years, I have finally depleted my CYA (It started at something like 150 and it is now at ZERO). Is it best to go get some new TriChlor sticks to reintroduce CYA, or should I by it in granular form?
2) What CYA number should I be shooting for?
3) We have an auto-cover. After Ben's testing kit meltdown (read the latest "Read Me" and am thrilled to hear he is trying to get back on top of things) I bought a comprehensive Taylor kit. I read the included Water Balance book cover to cover and learned a few things. The main questions I have is: can I add chlorine and immediately shut the auto cover to conserve chlorine, or -- as the pool people told me 8 years ago -- does it need to "breath" to burn off contaminants?
4) Since using bleach, I have never shocked the pool. Seriously. It is always sparkly clean and balanced. After reading the Taylor book, it sounds like I SHOULD be shocking. Yes or no.

Once again, thanks for everything Ben and "Super-Mods." I seriously don't know where I would be without you. But I can guess: In debt.


Jennie