ok i finally tested my swamp...i mean pool...with a dpd test

[waterbear]

Even though the baking soda is alkaline it introduces a buffer system into your pool. Without it the pH can bounce all over the place. Perhaps when you took your previous reading it was during such a bounce and now that the water has buffer reserve a truer pH reading is what you are seeing... Also the CYA, as it dissolves, can temporarily lower the pH. (It does it in my pool) It is acidic.

[fog80]

Also the CYA, as it dissolves, can temporarily lower the pH. (It does it in my pool) It is acidic.

that must have been what did the trick!

anyway, my pool is really starting to look good again. I just need to keep brushing the walls and the floor and get the rest of the gunk out.

thanks for all your help. I will post some more current results tomorrow.