New pool owner

[Jeanettedawn]

I am new pool owner. Have opened it and got rid of The green. My water is now milky and it doesn't seem to be getting any more clear. I have shocked and added PH decrease and keeping a chlorine tablet in the skinner. The last test I done on water the ph is now showing to low on the test strip. Everytime I go to the pool store it's here's your chemicals add these and come back!!! Any help or suggestions!!!! I'd like to swim in clear water.

[CarlD]

White milky or green cloudy? HUGE difference...White milky probably means too much calcium and has nothing much to do with chlorine.

Please tell us the following:
Pool dimensions and capacity (if you can)
Vinyl or concrete/tile/plaster/gunite/etc
Filter type and size.
Pump brand, type, hp
Test numbers. The pool store should have given them to you.

Then we can make more accurate suggestions.

[Watermom]

Actually, put all those things that Carl requested (except your test numbers) in a signature line. (See how to do this in the link in his signature above.)

You also need a test kit. We don't put much faith in test strips. See the testkit link in Carl's signature. We recommend the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C.

[Jeanettedawn]

Pool is 21' above ground vinal. 7,000 gallons I think. The pump is Hayward sand filter 1 hp. The water is more green cloudy then milky. The last numbers the I was given are as follows free chlorine 1.2, total chlorine 1.2, p.h. 7.4, and alkalinity 120

[aylad]

I second the advice to go get your own test kit--that's what will set you free from the pool store's grip!! The best one to get is the one that Watermom pointed out, but in the meantime, go to your local WalMart and see if they carry the hth 6-way drop kit...that one is compatible with the Taylor kit. And if they don't have that, at least pick up one of the cheap OTO kits (uses yellow and red drops for chlorine and pH). While you're there, pick up a few gallons of plain, generic, unscented bleach to finish clearing up your pool with.

[PoolDoc]

A 21' round AG pool with 48" walls is about 9,500 gallons. (Usually, we see gallons overestimated, rather than under).

Also, I moved your thread where it goes, so you can post now.