To drain or not to drain

[aridpaul]

Have been battling algae and cloudiness in the pool and was treating with pool store chemicals. I know bad idea.
We stopped using tabs and chemicals and were using nothing but Liquid Chlorine and faithful scrubbing. The pool looks clear and clean.

My number are:
FC 4
CC 1
PH 7.4
ALK 140
CYA 160

With the CYA so high should we drain our pool now? Temps are not regularly over a hundred yet.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes, you'll need to drain. Those pool store products just got the best of your pool. A drain, or few partial drains, is the only way to go. Otherwise, you will never be able to keep the FC high enough to work with that CYA.

- - - Updated - - -

Did you get 160 from a dilution testing method like this:
CYA Dilution Testing:
Add pool water to bottom of sticker.
Add tap water to top of sticker.
Shake.
Pour out half so mixture is to bottom of sticker.
Add reagent to top of sticker.
Shake.
Test outside with back to sun and tube at waist level.
Pour back and forth a few times to see if you get the same result.
Double the result.

 

[aridpaul]

Yes, but not outside. Checked it twice and then took a picture with my phone to record the level.

 

[woodyp]

I'd drain it half way, refill, and recheck that CYA.

 

[Texas Splash]

Definitely check outside next time. The bright (indirect) light from behind your back makes a big difference in viewing the dot. As Woody noted, a 50% water exchange is a good place to start.