Hate to say it, but you have some reading ahead of you.

On each of the topics there's a set of "stickied" threads that are FULL of information.

You need to look at the ones on chemicals and testing. I've written some, Aylad, Watermom and Poconos have all written some, too. PoolDoc wrote a lot be we haven't heard from him in a long, long time.

Then you can go to our sister-site: PoolSolutions.com, and start reading there. Concentrate on "tips". Some are a little dated but only when they refer so specific models and brands of equipment.

But we all STRONGLY recommend a good test kit as the starting point.