[PeteT]

Rick-
I don't have a pool but do have an oversize spa, about 2000 gal. and do my own maintenance. The spa was just finished about two months ago and at first I was struggling to keep the water in check. After 30 days I was finally able to use the salt system and that has made the chlorine part easy. My advise is to buy a simple chemical kit from your local supplier and start there. I don't use the strips. Also when I was having problems I took an empty, clean water bottle full of spa water to the pool supply store and they tested the water for me there and hooked me up. Sold me everything I needed and within a couple of days everything was good. If it is a plaster pool be careful of draining and refilling it. Sometimes when you drain it you will introduce stress cracks to the plaster.
HTH
Pete