First, welcome to TFP.
Second, you are not an idiot, but have likely been treated like one from the 'professionals' you've dealt with.
Third, you are in the right hands.
Basically you need to take one thing at a time, ok?
Deal?
First the forum will need a complete set of test results including
FC (free Chlorine)
CC (Combined Chlorine)
PH
Total Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
CYA/Stabilizer
Obtain these results from a pool store if necessary, but plan to purchase a good test kit such as the TF 100, available from
http://www.tftestkits.net. Test strips and pool store tests are not as reliable as using your own test kit following the directions.
The amount of Free Chlorine you need is directly related to the level of CYA in your water. So far, with no other information given, your CYA is bordering on a little high which means that you will need higher levels of Free Chlorine when shocking and maintainence levels. Again, though, test strips are somewhat unreliable.
Stock up on some regular unscented bleach and some POP (pool owner patience). In the meantime, read pool school over and over and over until it is firmly in your mind. Also get familiar with jason's pool calculator which is linked in my signature. Enter your pool dimensions/specs and set up recommendations from TFP.com. Enter your current test results and your targets and it will tell you how much bleach to add.
This is just the beginning and the experts will be along to help you along the way. Just don't buy anything at the pool store if you take water in to be tested. All the advice you need is right here....
Welcome again, and you'll be in control in no time...post pics...we love to see progress!
Additionally, put your pool specs into your signature via the control panel in the upper left corner of the page. It will help us