numbers are all off today-help I'm new at this :(

[cormaxem]

I've been reading on this site for the past week trying to learn. Like everyone else, I'm tired of being at the mercy of my pool store...and they got me into this mess. My husband took care of our pool using Sustain products for 12 years, but he passed away in 2012 and I've been struggling with it ever since. We really never had any issues with the pool other than an occasional yellow algae bloom. For the last spent all last summer and a month of the previous summer trying to find a leak that eventually was found in the heater (which is now bypassed). Had to add water every couple days, and now have a few stains that I think are iron (and I'll tackle that problem after I get the water balanced.) Bought the taylor test kit K-2006 as suggested.

Here's my numbers just now;

FC- 6.4
CC-0
pH-8
Alkalinity- 170 (1st try testing) 190 (tested a second time)
CH-170
CYA-100

Yesterday, I had a friend come over to teach me how to use the kit....our numbers were all different and the only thing I've done since is add 2 packets of Cal-hypo (shock) and added more pucks to skimmer basket cup. I'm using the Sustain Pucks (cal-hypo per reading I've done here) because I spent 275 bucks at the pool store a few weeks ago and so, I just want to use them up. I plan to switch to bleach when I've used up my current supply.

yesterdays numbers:
FC-3.2
pH-7.8
Alk-100
CH-180
CYA-64

I was really careful doing the testing today...even repeated a few of the tests. The water had been sparkling a few days ago, and today I noticed a very subtle change, it's very clear, not cloudy at all, just doesn't "sparkle" if that makes sense? I don't know why the numbers would change so much in one day? I only "balanced" the water per the pool store about 1.5 weeks ago - 13 lbs of cyanuric acid was added along with alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarb) and the pucks. I was using dipsticks to check the water daily last week and every thing seemed ok (albeit on the high normal range).

So.....I know I need to get the pH and Alkalinity down with muriatic acid?? I'm really nervous about adding stuff and having the numbers go even more wacky. Thanks so much in advance for any and all advice you can give me! I've learned so much reading these boards....but now I need to put it into practice and I'm freaking out!!

 

[aasbury]

I would start by using the 10ml sample of water when checking the chlorine. It saves on reagent.
Is the second set of numbers a reading from the pool store?

 

[Casey]

Welcome to TFP. So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.

First, The pool store has you adding so much, you just don't need all of it. Your pH is high (you need MA), your TA is high which drives your pH up (you need MA).

Read the ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and PoolMath.

 

[cormaxem]

Thanks so much for the replies aasbury and Casey. aasbury-no, second set of numbers is also my own testing with K-2006 kit (1 day previous). Thanks for the suggestion on saving reagent. Casey-Thank you for your kind words. I'm off to get the muriatic acid and I've read the ABC's multiple times. Do I add the acid all at once? or should I go in steps ?
According to pool math I need about a gallon to go from 8.0 to a target of 7.2. Is that too ambitious of a target? again, sorry for questions that might seem stupid, just really don't want to screw this up more. Thank you again so much for reading and replying, I really appreciate your help.