Question:
I have a vinyl in ground pool in Lake Havasu City AZ. Recently I had the total dissolved
solids test done and it came in @ 4850 ppm. I understand that it should be less than
2000 ppm how can I reduce my solids?

Response: 

The only way to lower TDS (total dissolved solids) is to add fresh water.  In your 
case you would most likely have to change at least 1/2 of the pool water.  BUT 
WAIT...before you do that; have the tap water tested first.  You could be in an 
area where the TDS is naturally high.  If that is the case, wherever you end up 
trucking it in from, be sure to check the TDS of that source.

Follow Up Question:

Tap TDS in this area runs about 400ppm the dilemma I face is that everyone tells 
me I should not drain a vinyl pool that it will wrinkle or tear is this true?

Follow Up Response: 

The quick answer is yes, you should be concerned about liner shrinkage.  BUT 
only if you are draining the whole pool at one time & letting it sit.

Since your TDS is so high right now, bring it down a bit at a time.  Let's say, 
drain down 8 to 10 inches, add fresh water then let it filter for 24 hours & retest 
the TDS.  Repeat as necessary to bring it down to maybe about 1200 ppm.  That will 
give you some buffer room.

Just out of curiosity, how are you chemically treating your pool? Perhaps I can 
suggest something that may be contributing to the high TDS.

Question:
I'll be starting the year with a fresh fill because I am going to repaint my concrete pool.  Last year I had a tough time balancing my pool as far as ALK and PH.  I brought the ALK into  the right range  1st as I have been told, but every time I tried to bring up the PH from such a low reading the ALK always went up with it and it became an seemingly  unending battle that I finally balanced but I really had used a lot of chemicals.  I've always been told ALK 1st then PH, but is this wrong or is there a better way? 

Response:
Yes, it's always alkalinity first then re-adjust the pH as necessary.  I'm trying to figure out why you had such a tough time.  What were you trying to keep the TA at?  In a concrete pool, don't forget to rebalance the calcium Hardness as well.  That's just as important as the pH & TA.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the pH increaser IS NOT the same as TA increaser.  Use pH increaser (Bal Pak 200) for the pH & Bal Pak 100 for the Total Alkalinity.