Running to the pool store to get chemicals and dumping them in the pool is NOT the way to go....so you're smart in being cautious. What you need to do is either use a drop-based kit or get a pool store to test (using drops, not strips) for Cl, pH, TA, and CYA (stabilizer). Also, if it's anything other than a vinyl pool, we need Calcium, too. Come back and post those test numbers here, and we'll be glad to see if we can help you from there. I feel sure that we can.

Welcome to the forum!!

Janet