Starting to get more confused

[CarlD]

The spa aerator is running to help bring the TA (total alkalinity) down but I think the pH has to be lower for that to be effective. You can search for the posts but I believe somewhere between 6.8 and 7.2 is ideal. Another solution would be a partial drain/refill which may not be a bad solution. You may want to vacuum to waste for a while and just replace the displaced water with fresh.

The aeration does NOT lower T/A. Lowering pH with acid does that. Aeration RAISES pH without raising T/A--the only way to do that. But it all only works when pH is at or below 7.2

pH at 7.2,7.3 is perfectly FINE for chlorine. You can go to 7.5 safely. pH of 6.8 can damage vinyl pools--do NOT go that low! You shouldn't swim in water below 7.0 either.

[Sherra]

The aeration does NOT lower T/A. Lowering pH with acid does that. Aeration RAISES pH without raising T/A--the only way to do that. But it all only works when pH is at or below 7.2

I was confused about that also I guess...

[bjdrogo]

Thank you all for the info. I am using Ben's PS233 kit for testing. Have the new one on order. Should I get my TA down before doing anything else? How do I raise my CYA. Where can I find some specifications on what my reading should be? Just remembered, I am getting what looks like fall out. I just got done vacuuming to waste and left for a couple of hours. When I got back parts of my pool look like sporatic streaks of dirt on the bottom. Is this some kind of fall out due to the high TA?
thanks again You all, bj

[Simmons99]

You can purchase CYA at your pool store (also called stabilizer or conditioner).

[Watermom]

You may also be able to buy cya at Lowe's, Home Depot or Walmart. It may be called stabilizer or conditioner, but if the ingredient label says cyanuric or isocyanuric acid, that is the right stuff.