Thank for the reply!

I purchased the HTH 6-way test and took readings tonight:
total chlorine - 0
pH - 7.5
TA 210
hardness 370
CA- the dot did not disappear
I also did the soda test and the water was cloudy.

My water looks just like the pic sbrouilette posted (cloudy blue/green) in her post titled "water color problems, ready to give up". I have ordered unicel filters, bought 60% plyquat/algaecide and am hunting down dichlor. (Can I use 6% bleach instead?) I also need a better vac and skimmer, which I'm pursuing.

I'm wondering if the directions provided to sbrouilette by pool doc in the post mentioned would be good for me, too? Help is much appreciated!