You can use the BBB route with most any kind of pool, especially one that's being sanitized with chlorine to begin with. You do need a little more extensive test kit--the one that Ben sells on this forum is excellent, and will test for most anything you could need to test for. As an alternative, WalMart sells a $15 5-way drop-based kit that will be enough to get you started. Just stay away from test strips!

If you'll get a drop-based kit, test for Cl, pH, Total alk, Ca, and CYA, post your numbers, we should be able to get you started.

Janet