Another...To Drain or Not to Drain

I would say yes, that level is too low. With the new test kit you'll have better accuracy but assuming your current kit's FC reading is correct, then the FC is too low. Although the water may look clear right now, that doesn't mean you're not creating an environment conducive to growing algae, bacteria etc. You need it higher than this to properly sanitize the pool and ensure a safe swimming environment. I'm not sure of your CYA value but regardless, that low a FC reading won't allow the water to stay clear for long. You might want to add a little more than 1/2 a gallon to error on the side of caution until your new kit arrives.
 
You have Pinch A Penny locations on Bulverde and also up north on Blanco. They sell 12.5% liquid
chlorine in 2.5 gallon carboys. You pay for the carboy and they refill at a lower price, free refill after
you buy a certain # of refills.

The PAP route may not always the most cost effective, but it is very convenient with the stackable 2.5 gallon carboys and (at my location) it always seems to be fresh. This was my choice before I switched to SWG.
 
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Thanks @Edge70 I went ahead and just added another gallon to the pool, because I have about 15 ppl that will be swimming in it in about 7 hours from now. I set my variable to high and will let it stay on high until I get my new kit in and test the water. I'll probably add another gallon after everybody gets out of the water tonight too, just to be safe.
 
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Always stay above minimum for your cya FC/CYA Levels if cya is lower than 20ppm then the minimum is still 2ppm.
Anything less invites algae along with the risk of person to person transmission of pathogens 🦠 You definitely don’t want your guests leaving with ear infections & stomach bugs 🤢
 
CYA won't leave the pool based on evaporation... trust me I know. My CYA was up well over 100 and I ended up exchanging 75% of the water in my pool to get it down to 40 range. Once you get your test kit you'll have a better idea of where it's really at and then people here will help you get it where it needs to be :)
 
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Yes, we need to know exactly how much over 100 your CYA is. You'll need to perform the diluted CYA test. Mix 50% pool water with 50% tap water and perform the test. Then multiply the result by 2.
 
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Yes, we need to know exactly how much over 100 your CYA is. You'll need to perform the diluted CYA test. Mix 50% pool water with 50% tap water and perform the test. Then multiply the result by 2.
100-110, if I'm doing it correctly. For example, if I look down the tube with one eye, the black dot stays visible longer. So, that plus where I'm standing in relation to light and how far I hold the tube down towards my waist all influence the reading.
 

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100-110, if I'm doing it correctly. For example, if I look down the tube with one eye, the black dot stays visible longer. So, that plus where I'm standing in relation to light and how far I hold the tube down towards my waist all influence the reading.
If the test reads 90 or above then u need to do the diluted test .
Step 8👇
 
To reduce cya by at least 50% will require an exchange of at least 50% of the water - this should get u down in the 50’s. Which is a good place to be this time of year in your area.
Here are the various ways to exchange water safely 👇
Until you exchange water be sure to maintain fc above 7.5% of your cya level (9ppm) to prevent algae & nasties from growing. FC/CYA Levels
 
Alright, I've been at it all day. Got a bit of rain too, which helped with the fill. I want to make sure I get the best reading. So, I've pulled the sump pump and am allowing the pool pump to run at high speed for an hour before I take a new reading of the CYA. Does that sound right? I haven't added chlorine yet. So, the pool is a mixture of what was in there and new water, which means there is probably no chlorine in the pool now. So, if I should add chlorine now, please let me know.
 

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