First time testing water....can this be right???

[Leehicks79]

Forgot the CYA....the solution was not cloudy at all, so the black dot never "went away". Does that mean no CYA or too much? Haven't added any stabilizers (that I know of, other than the trichlor tabs).... Sorry, brand new at this, but I have been trying to read up on here!

[PoolDoc]

It sounds like dichlor would be the best product for you, right now: it lowers the pH, adds stabilizer AND chlorinates. Later, you won't need those things, and it will be a poor choice, but right now, it may be the best. Links below.

Regarding high TA . . . it is NOT an urgent issue, unless you have a heater or are having some scaling. But here's a page that explains more:
http://www.poolsolutions.com/gd/lowe...p-by-step.html

Also, read the muriatic acid page linked in my signature, and then use MA to keep your pH below 7.6.

Finally, since you didn't report calcium levels, I'm guessing you may not have a recommended kit. Links for those below, too.

Good luck!

Ben

24 lbs PoolBrand bagged shock @ Sams Club
Kem-Tek Dichlor 22 lbs @ Amazon

+ Here are links to the kits we recommend:

HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon