1. Awesome, because we've been hesitant to swim in the pool since it was so high thinking it might not be good. Haven't added anything (to my knowledge) to raise it, only to try to lower.
2. I have a "Pool Shop 5-Way Pool Test Kit " http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ec...&storeId=10051 , link shows it's a 4-way test kit, but the one I picked up at Home Depot is 5-way (think it tests bromine too or something) ... is that kit any good? It does use drops and such that change colors (turns yellow for chlorine, the red drops for pH, blue and stuff for alkalinity)
3. We have the Intex 5061-Gallon Above-Ground Pool, Model #: 54451LW from Lowe's: http://www.lowes.com/pd_317878-15697...ool&facetInfo= ... though I could have sworn the manual said it held more than that.
4. We just got the pool brand new and set up a few weeks ago, but since, I've used HTH pH Minus, HTH chlorine tablets in one of those floating dispensers, HTH algae guard, HTH super shock n' swim... I also have available (but not yet used) HTH pH Up and HTH Alkalinity Up that I wish I could return but can't find the receipt (I know, I'm an idiot, currently kicking myself for not checking this forum and poolsolutions.com first)
5. Strips say CYA is at 30-50, which according to the little chart on the box, is "ideal"
6. Did that since I had the chlorine tablets in there floating around for 1-2 weeks without any kind of chlorine level readings ever showing up... until I poured bleach in there, both strips and drops said there was pretty much no chlorine in there... now the level has been good for 5+ days

I should also add the water is a *little* cloudy looking... nothing horrible but definitely not crystal clear.