ok...I'm breathing again. I'm going to have FAITH that you all can turn this mess around.

Testing - we purchased a small drop test kit when we bought the pool, it only tests for CL/BR and PH (didn't think we needed to be concerned with anything else..ha)

Update: put in new filter last night (not bad, one day = one filter) as it was BLACK, added 12 oz of hth metal control and ran pump all night long. Tested this morning:
CL 2 to 3 range
Ph 7.2

This morning I was headed to pick up bleach as I've read here...(ok, from this post on we'll only add or do what YOU tell us..) is it ok to switch to bleach after using so much of the shock? I figured at this rate the pool is becoming a chemical pool anyhow, right? (sorry, sarcasim.) I realize the staining is the least of our problems...well, maybe my children don't think so, one time in the pool has ruined their bathing suits and I think given them a deeper tan. I do have one with sensitive skin so I'm concerned for her.

While in town (we live 20 miles out in horse country) I'll buy a better test kit too, Walmart is really my ownly option other than a pool store. Oh, and just so you know we're not compete morons, we never EVER considered putting up a pool knowing about our water until the local public pool closed this year due to budget cuts. : (

Thanks in advance for your help!