looking for opinions on using Metal Free

[poolmompa]

I've read all about the pool stores selling chemicals not necessary & potentially even bad for your pool. Now the opening kit says to add Metal Free, then test & adjust (if necessary) pH & alkalinity, vacuum, THEN shock. My pool is green so I assumed I would shock first.

I've never done this before (my husband usually takes care of it). Any advice? Should I follow the opening kit instructions?

I have a vinyl liner, 18 x 36 inground pool. Brand new, Hayward Super Pump 1.5 HP. Hayward DE filter.

[Watermom]

Some questions for you:
--What is the source of your fill water?
--Does it have metals in it?
--Is your pool a freshly filled new pool?
--Is your pool green and cloudy or green and clear?
--What all have you previously put in your pool --- meaning ingredients and not just product names like 'shock' or 'algaecide.'
--Do you have a drops-based test kit? If so, what type?

The test kit that we think is by far the best is the Taylor K2006 or 2006C (better buy). Not available locally but you can get it through this link that takes you to Amazon: http://pool9.net/tk/

In the meantime if you don't have a drops-based kit at all, go to Walmart and see if they have the HTH 6-Way drops-based kit (no test strips!) and get that. If they don't, get an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops) instead. Use it to test and then post your numbers. Also while you are at WallyWorld, get several jugs of their generic 8.25% bleach and a couple of boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle).

Repost with requested info and then someone here can try and help you.

[poolmompa]

Thank you Watermom for your response. After posting this, my husband told me that he usually just follows the kit instructions so I ended up using the Metal Free but then got right into shocking the water. I honestly forgot that I had posted this. Then, earlier today I started another thread looking for help with my cloudy water. If you could take a look at that post & offer advice, that would be great!

Thanks again for your response!