I had an above ground pool YEARS ago and did not know or really research levels or chemicals so needless to say had a disater lol My husband passed away last year and I have purchased an above ground 16x48 Intex pool for ME and the grandkids!!! its up and running since Sat. and swam in 2 days. I added shock night before last and a chlorine tab in a floater yesterday. This morning I used the text strips and it shows high Ph 8.4 and alkalinity 120-180 I have a good friend that has a pool and has helped me tremedously. She suggested I use the Hth ph decreaser from Walmart to bring my Ph lower instead of Muraitic acid. I am a pool virgin and just feel overwhelmed and lost. Everyone is telling me I am over thinking it