What kind of test kit do you have?

As far as bleach goes, it is fine to use the concentrated stuff. What most of us use is Walmart's generic 8.25% bleach. Unscented only! Have you looked in the laundry aisle at Walmart for the Borax? That is where it would be. I have seen it in many Walmart stores.

To post a picture, you can either use Picasa, Flickr, etc. or just email them to poolforum@gmail.com and reference the URL of this thread.

(P.S. I'm with you on the filters. I would never want a cartridge filter. Sand filters are so easy. )