Don't be scared of the MA. It is dangerous stuff while in the bottle, but diluted in the pool will become nothing! You really need it to lower the pH level to start the SLAM process. You don't want to add it and chlorine within 30 minutes of each other though. Best to get the pH where it needs to be before adding your chlorine because the readings during the SLAM will screw up the pH reading.
Getting the CYA in the pool first will help keep the FC levels from dropping faster due to sunlight.
<<<<----Look, I am a new guy to this too, but reading enough will help you learn all that you need to know.
I'm not sure anyone has mentioned this yet, but how is your filter? A clean filter to start this whole process will help a lot. Cleaning it frequently during the process will also help.
This is the stuff you need to up your CYA and can be found at Wal-Mart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Clorox-Pool-and-Spa-Pool-Chlorine-Stabilizer-4-lbs/41466055
The PoolMath says you need a little over 9 lbs for a 35K gallon pool. I'd shoot a little low and add 8 lbs which is two jars of the above. That'll get you up to 30 CYA. The sock method was mentioned before, but maybe you should use an old pair of panty hose. Make sure there isn't any holes so the granules don't fall out. The panty hose will release the CYA quicker. Might not even have to squeeze them, but I would anyways to get it mixed up quicker.
Now, while the CYA is being dispersed (pump will need to be running through this), add in some MA. PoolMath says you'd need 159 oz of 31% concentrated MA for 35K gallon pool to get from an 8.2 pH reading down to 7.2 with a TA of 160. I would probably start with a gallon and see what happens after letting it circulate for a while.
Once you tested the pH and it is where it needs to be....rub your hands together, cross your toes, click your heels together and say there is no place like swimming in a clean pool!
Wal-Mart again.... This is the cheapest bleach I could find that has the same amount of chlorine as the name brand stuff. You're gonna get some goofy looks buying a bunch, so use the self check out lane.
Seriously, buy a bunch now so you don't have to go back for more late at night.
PoolMath along with the Chlorine/CYA chart says you need 7 1/4 GALLONS
to get your FC from a 0 to a 12 to start the SLAM process (using the 5.7% available Chlorine as written on the bottle and a suspected CYA of 30). This is why liquid chlorine from a pool store with a higher rated chlorine percentage is recommended. Close to the same cost, but use up to half the amount.
BAMM, you've started the SLAM. Sit back, drink a beer, tell the hubby how good you are doing? NOPE. Wait an hour or two and test the FC again.
This is where you will need to figure out the PoolMath. Because now the FC reading might be 6 or 4 or 2 and the amount you are going to need to add back in will be less than when you started. The more you can test and add in more chlorine, the faster the SLAM will happen and the sooner you CAN sit back, drink a beer, tell the hubby how good you DID!
Don't forget the filters! That junk has to get pulled out of the water and your filter is your friend!
If I screwed anything up here, please let me know.
