best approach to crystal clear water

[Watermom]

Hi, Mike. Give us some more information about your pool -- type, volume, size of pump, type of filter. Also we need some current water testing results taken with a drops-based kit. What all have you added to the pool -- meaning ingredients, not just "shock."

[mike_311]

its a 12-24 above ground pool, i have a 2 speed (3/4 and either 1.5 or 2hp) it run it on 3/4, only use the high speed for vacuuming. Cartridge filter. i dont have any water testing result as i haven't opened the pool yet. i can test it tonight and get back to you. however i dont have drops based tests only strips.

[Watermom]

We don't put too much faith in test strips. The kit we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C. Take a look at it on this page. test kit info page

We really can't offer too much advice without some good numbers. One bit of advice I can give you at this point is to do some reading. Read through a lot of the posts here on the forum -- especially the stickied threads at the top of some of the sub-forums. Also read on our sister site www.poolsolutions.com. Lots of good information that will be very beneficial to you to learn. This is a good time to do your homework -- before your pool is open!