How to Get the Test Kits You NEED

What's essential -- for concrete pools:: Chlorine must stay above 0.5 PPM --- always, always, ALWAYS
Chlorine must go above 5.0 every week or so. (Shocking)
pH must stay above 7.2
Alkalinity must be above 60 PPM
Calcium must be above 80 PPM
Stabilizer must be BELOW 80 PPM (unless you've opted to run a high chlorine pool)
Stabilizer must be ABOVE 20 PPM (outdoor pools)


What's essential -- for vinyl and fiberglass pools:: Chlorine must stay above 0.5 PPM --- always, always, ALWAYS
Chlorine must go above 5.0 every week or so. (Shocking)
pH must stay above 7.2
Stabilizer must be BELOW 80 PPM
What's desirable -- for concrete pools: Chlorine should stay above 1.0 PPM
pH should stay between 7.2 and 8.0
Alkalinity should be between 60 and 120 PPM
Langlier index usually should be between 0.5 and -0.5 (see kit calculator)
(Stabilizer must be BELOW 20 PPM, in indoor pools)

What's desirable -- for vinyl and fiberglass pools: Chlorine should stay above 1.0 PPM
pH should stay between 7.4 and 8.0
(Stabilizer must be BELOW 20 PPM, in indoor pools)
NOTE:

There are exceptions to almost all rules, including those above.
'Shocking' is often not necessary, but it's an inexpensive way to stay out of trouble.
If you are using a chlorine generator, or ionizer, you will have to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Some of the generators will have no end of problems with scale build up if you don't. And, with ionizers, copper staining may occur even if you do follow their guidelines, but it's more likely, if you do not.