I too became a new pool owner in July 2007. Bought a home with a 40+ year old pool that was cement and a new liner had been added a few years before. Just loved the back yard and when the DW seen it, the house was purchased within a few days.
I knew I would have to learn about pool care and the previous owner did a pretty good job of giving me the tutorial of cleaning and running the equipment, but he had no idea of how to properly manage the chemistry in his water. Neither did I for the first year. CYA was way to high as he had been using pucks and had an algae outbreak in the first year. Stressed me out and the DW.
Went online and found this site in the early stages of its developement and mine. Learned a ton and swithced to BBB. Was a little reluctant, mostly because of the PB saying not to use that, but a couple years later, the PB actually now recommends it. Funny. That is why I continue to work with this PB as they know me and how I care for my pool. Pic attached shows the evidence. I did end up sinking some cash into upgrading the pump, valves, guts to the filter as the tubes were broke, painted the pool coping, and painted the cement patio. Turned out great as you can see.
A personal thank you to Waste, Mas, Duraleigh, Sean, Jason, John, FPM, Butterfly, Corey, Adam, and a few others on this site who really contributed to my now awesome pool knowledge. I hear other pool owners in the area complaining about mid summer that their pool turned green. Almost tempted to say something, but over time, I have decided to not say anything. Went down that road a few times and now I just mention this pool forum and they can figure out the rest on their own like I did!
So thanks TFP! Between the TF100 test kit and the awesome knowledge on this site, my pool has never looked better!
Have a great summer to you all!
Had it not been for all the knowlegable people at TFP, I would not have known any better. (Till the warranty had run out 
