You can go to the pool store, and get their test. But do NOT buy their stuff, with one exception. If they show that you have stabilizer (CYA) below 50 ppm, you can let them sell you enough to raise your pool to 50 ppm.

They will want to sell you all sorts of other things -- that's the purpose of those testing program; to sell chemicals, including many you do NOT need, and some that will actually make your pool worse. We even have a word for what they'll do to you: "you'll get 'pool-stored'!". So, let them test, but just say no to the rest!

(Don't tell them about visiting our site, or using bleach -- with many pool people, it will set them off on a rant if you do. And, you'll need your pool store for parts and some chemicals, so don't burn your bridges there.)

So let them test -- take fresh sample in a closed bottle, with no air left in it. Do NOT let the sample sit in the car. Buy your CYA if you need it. (Testing does cost them something.) Then come come and test your pH and chlorine levels, and post BOTH sets of results here.

Meanwhile, add 5 gallons of 6% bleach to your pool, this evening if possible.

Ben