Thanks, Cary and Carl. Unfortunately, I will probably have to stick with the pucks. I'm away from home due to work about 4 consecutive days per week and need something automated while I'm gone. I guess I need to purchase a test kit that covers all the parameters you discussed. How long do these test kits last before the drops go bad? I have a small drops based test kit that I bought 2 years ago when I first ordered the pool. Is it still good? If so, the results differ from the pool store results. It shows NO chlorine (which makes sense since at the point I tested yesterday there was none put into the pool since it was closed last October), and also showed Ph of 7.2 and Alkalinity of 40. I plan on going to a different pool store today and having a complete water test done again and compare. Also, what is "shock" ? Do I use liquid or powder, and what type? What does it do? How do I know when I need to shock the pool? I really appreciate all the help. The only thing I know for certain is that I have a ton more to learn. If you folks don't mind, I'll post the new water test reults here later today. Hopefully the parameters they test for will be more complete. Thanks for the help and the info.
Doug