You need a good test kit so you can test for yourself and not relying on a pool store. The one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (same kit, larger bottle of some reagents). If you buy it through the Amazon link in my signature, the Pool Forum makes a little money on the sale which helps us keep this form online. Only buy if the seller is Amato Industries, however. Some other sellers are substituting the K-2005 which you do NOT want. If Amato isn't listed, wait a day or two and try again. They seem to restock pretty quickly when they sell out.

But, in the meantime, go to Walmart and pick up an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops) and use it until you can order a good kit. Hopefully you can find one that reads chlorine levels up to 5ppm but some only go the 3. Either way won't be high enough but you can force it to go higher by using a dilution method described here: Testing Without a Good Kit

While at Walmart get a jug of distilled water and more bleach.

Post with some current numbers and somebody here can help you go from there.

Regarding the Culator --- the jury's still out on that. A few members are trying it but no definite conclusions yet.