My first pool, and first time to test

[PoolDoc]

Keep in mind the two most critical pool water values are chlorine level, and pH.

If the pH is between 7 and 8 . . . no rapid damage is occurring, so you've got time to learn more. (Higher than 8 or lower than 7, and you could be doing real damage real fast!)

If the chlorine is above 2 - 3 ppm and the pool is not green . . . you are probably OK. (There are complications that mean there are exceptions.)

The fast and easy way to be sure of these two factors is to get a CHEAP OTO / phenol red test drops kit. Test strips are NOT accurate or reliable . . . and the K2006 we recommend is complicated. So start with the OTO / phenol red, from Walmart or Amazon. The Taylor K1000, from Amazon is preferable. [http://pool9.net/k1000]

You *will* need learn the K2006. But a cheapo K1000 or other OTO kit offers an easy and reliable 'sanity check' while you are learning to use the K2006.

[oedo808]

Thanks gents! I have a Taylor k2006 and a k1000 although I haven't used the k1000 yet. I put a half gallon of bleach before I read the replies so I'll add another gallon now. I'll also run to home depot and get some muriatic acid to add to lower the pH. Any suggestions of volume of muriatic acid to start with to try to get pH to a better level? I was thinking about this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Smart-2x1...8-HD/100119310 which is 31.5% hydrochloric acid and the rest water.

Oh and I'll stop using the higher test for chlorine, thanks for the help!