THANK YOU for responding so quickly. It's such a relief to have this resource.

I just tested my pool and chlorine is at 2.0 and ph is at 7.2. The donut feels a little slimy but the sides don't; I don't think my husband scrubbed the donut so I'll do that today. My test kit doesn't show chlorine levels above 5.0 but I'm guessing that doesn't matter; just use the formula you gave of 1cup bleach to add 1ppm chlorine. So if I'm at 2.0 then I should add 10 cups of 6% bleach? And does the intex pump do a sufficient job of circulating? I've been pouring the bleach where the water jets in from the hose. And since my ph is a tad low, how much borax (should I just look that up on the calculator?) and what's the best way to add it?

I'd rather not have to calculate the CYA since I don't have a kit to test that and it's one more thing to do. So if I'm just using bleach what should I do, after today's shock, to maintain the pool? Also, I've got a net to collect leaves and the intex pump/filter. Between that and the bleach do I really need anything else to keep the water clean? (I've seen ads for vacuuming devices--more money!)

Thanks so much for spelling this out for me!!