Kurt's absolutely correct. I forgot that kids splashing made for excellent aeration and that you needn't go down to 6.6 to lower your alkalinity -- you can go to the lowest on your test kit, probably 7.0 as Kurt surmised, and that is perfectly safe to swim in. It might take a little longer to lower the alkalinity compared to lower pH (though even 6.6 might only just sting the eyes), but since you're using the pool in the meantime, who cares? Thanks Kurt.