I am waiting for my TF100 kit to come in the mail. I am hoping it will arrive today or tomorrow. I currently have a cheap 4 way basic test kit, but with that one it's practically impossible to get an accurate read on the FC. I don't really know how much CYA I currently have, because we just refilled our pool. I added a gallon of conditioner (from Leslie's), so that should have brought up the level to about 25 CYA. After I get the test kit, and get accurate results, I want to get the CYA up to about 60ppm. (outdoor pool, in Texas, with direct sunlight all day).
I just switched from pucks to BBB, and have read all the info from the pool school. I think I have the basics down, but really just need a good test kit first. Also, I still have some Trichlor shock left over from last year. If I want to get my CYA up, can I just use up that shock first? I would hate to have to buy more CYA, when I already have some of it in the form of shock and pucks. All of this is kind of frustrating right now, because I don't have good test numbers to work with. I want to be very careful not to get my CYA up too high, because that caused me to have to drain the pool (it was at 150 ppm).
So for now, I'll bring my FC up to 5.0 before the party, then do another reading late tonight ,and add the needed Chlorine to get it back up to 5.0?
Thanks for all your help!