szcakes,

Welcome to the forum! A couple of things. First, why do you think you need to shock? Second, how high do you need to shock too?
I'll bet that last one really got ya scratching your head.

It sounds as if you need to be "poolforumcated". Take your time this evening and read the following links:
http://www.poolsolutions.com/tips/10things.html (Read em all now)
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1652
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1113 I know, it's a lot but hang in there!
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=195
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=365

And here is a handy tool Michael created http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4735

Now when posting remember http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=2191


After your done, ponder a bit and then ask away! I assure you, you can be your own pool professional with a little patience, a good test kit and the great folks here!

Dave