FC remains 0/0, use bleach?

[jpvrla]

I have been stuck with trying to get an above the ground pool (20x12x48) acceptable for swimming. There is a ton of information out there from various sources some of which I find contradictory and argumentative. I've been patient but confusion reigns on getting things squared away when even some professionals have entirely different approaches.
Currently I have the following HTH products to work with: 6-way test strips, 3-1 chlorinating skimmer tablets, super shock, algae guard 3xconcentrate. I assume being in Texas with the real hot weather starting I will also need stablizer(CYA) added. Despite attempts to get things ideal the test strips for FC remain 0/0 and the water remains cloudy with TH,pH,TA on the low side but acceptable. I guess the basic questions I have are how to correct this and are the use of bleach and baking soda good to use for getting balance? I am sure this has been asked before but it seems there is always some kind of variable that makes my problem unique. I appreciate any help at this time.

[PoolDoc]

1. Tell us what the strips say. (They are not very accurate, but are better than nothing.)

2. Start adding 2 gallons of PLAIN 6% bleach (or 2 1/2 96 oz bottles) each evening. Brush the pool completely to stir up any algae -- but make SURE you've added bleach before you do this.

3. If the Walmart in your area carries the HTH 6-way test kit (not strips!) get one, and tell us what test results with it, are. You can check, here;
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HTH-6-Way-Test-Kit/17043668

4. List the EXACT chemical ingredients shown on the "Super Shock" and the "Algae Guard". If the tabs do NOT show copper as an ingredient, go ahead and put several in the skimmer or your floater. But, do NOT buy any more of those: we try to avoid voodoo blended chemicals like those products.

5. Use your OTO / phenol red kit to check your pH. If it is HIGH, read the muriatic acid page, linked in my signature, buy a bottle and begin adding it 1/4 bottle at a time. Wait a day between doses. Continue till your pH reaches 7.6 If your pH is LOW, buy 4 boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (exactly that, not something 'similar'), and begin adding a box at a time -- slowly, through the skimmer, pump running -- each evening. Continue till your pH reaches 7.2

[Watermom]

And ........... do yourself a favor and buy a good kit. The one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C. See the testkit link in PoolDoc's signature above. (You cannot buy this kit locally. You'll have to order it online. It will take a little while to get it, so still get the HTH 6-Way kit he suggested above.)