Thanks CarlD,
Will do shot glass as soon as we get the water & will pick up the water hardness stuff. Yep, got the shot glasses.

1. Are pools supposed to look greenish from a distance above? Ours looks greenish from the house & deck, about 8' above pool-level. But, at pool-level pretty clear, mostly clear w/bluish tint w/slight greenish tint in deep end.

2. Is there a test for algae?

3. What is the final color supposed to be? Bluish or clear? (We have learned that green is BAD)

... (just saw Mel Gibson & bad guy go out 7th floor window into pool that looked green.....this made me question the color thing)

Again, thanks so much for all your (yall's) help. It's really hot in South Carolina and we sure do wanna' jump in! Thanks, Joyce