When the pool store guys opened the pool they immediately threw in 2.5 gallons of "shock". I tested and found CYA to be 0. I then added too much (mistake #1) and the CYA went to 45. I then started to add chlorine to get the level to 18. (Mistake #2 was not testing and balancing pH). Although I have tested all chemicals a couple times in the past few days, my understanding is that the only thing that would have mattered is CYA, which is stable, and pH which is blood red high. So I have tried to keep FC at 18 but it has ended up ranging from 16 to 21. CC has ranged from 0 to 1.5. Mistake #3 was that my husband turned off the pump on the second night. Other than that, the pump has been on for 3 nights and 5 days. Water has been beautiful for last 3 days. We have brushed sides 2 or 3 times a day. Vacuumed between 1 and 3 times a day. Mistake #4 may be that we have not filtered to waste because I only read recently that that would be preferable. The only in pool equipment we have is one light which we have not taken apart.
This is the first year that I have tested like this and therefore SLAMmed. Tomorrow I have a crazy day so I cannot keep up with the frequent testing. I am almost at the point of quitting tomorrow whether or not I have good numbers. Hope it doesn't come to this, and I might change my mind, but I am at a loss for where to look (except I WILL take the light apart!) Thank you all so much.