I'll continue this tonight, but I'm going to post some stuff now, in hopes that you can get it on your way home:

+ We recommend the Taylor K-2006 test kit, which meets the requirements above, for many reasons. The HTH 6-way drops kit is a great starter kit, and is compatible with the K2006 (it's made by Taylor). There are a few alternatives; for example Lamotte makes an FAS-DPD kit that's OK -- but it costs 3x as much. But, we're not aware of any test that is better, and since we are all familiar with the K-2006 (and can help you with it) we recommend it exclusively ( Test kit info page )

+ Here are links to the kits we recommend:
HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon
(Get the HTH drops kit tonight, if you can, along with 12 gallons of PLAIN store-brand 6% bleach from Walmart. You can use the link above to see if it's in stock in your area. You'll still need the K2006, but the 6-way is a private label compatible Taylor kit, and will get you started fast, and still be useful later.)


+ It's much easier to answer your questions, when we have the details about your pool in one place. We often 'waste' the first few posts back and forth collecting information. So, please complete our new Pool Chart form -- it takes about 30 seconds, but will save much more than that.
Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

+ Chlorine is the strongest algaecide you can buy . . . but occasionally, you may need a different one. Almost the only alternative algaecide we recommend is polyquat -- poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride] . This product is a GOOD clarifier and a moderately good algaecide, with almost no bad side effects. We often recommend it for use when you are going on vacation, or when you need to lower your chlorine, to prevent remove stains. It has become quite difficult to purchase locally at the normal full strength 60% concentration. If you find it locally, at a 60% concentration, that's fine. But be SURE to check the chemical name. If you need to buy it online, here's an Amazon link:
Kem-Tek 311-6 Pool and Spa 60-Percent Concentrated Algaecide, 1 Quart
(Use the link to the polyquat page for more info -- while at Walmart, check and see if they have some polyquat. It's not likely, but it will help somewhat if they do. Do NOT buy any other products at Walmart!)

Post your test results, as soon as you have them.