CarlD & Waste:

Thanks for your suggestions. I ordered Ben's kit. Hopefully, it will be here before we open the pool. I live in Chicago and we probably won't open the pool until mid-May. I'll test the water and post it on the site. Hopefully, you guys can give me some help once I've posted the results.

We didn't have any problems with our pool the first year because we had it in late July and closed it in September. However, last year, we had algae problems, especially around the stair area -- probably due to the sand weighing down the stairs.

Another question: in Ben's "Purchasing Pool Chemicals at the Grocery Store", Ben says that I shouldn't use this method if I have Nature2. I do have Nature 2, but I am not going to use the cartridge this year. Will I be okay?

Thanks again!

Anna