Just opened the pool again and took water to be tested at pool store and ammonia was way high- don't know the number but really dark green test. spent most of last summer draining and adding water. really tired of the pool store giving me that answer.. maybe it's right but there should be a way to stop it. pool is 5 or 6 yrs old. I'm the original owner and really need to get a handle on understanding what's what with the chemicals as I think the pool store is also "draining my wallet" I've heard that adding M. Acid will cure all. Is this true? if not, what is the best way to get my alk down, ph up and to have some chlorine in the pool? I have test strips or the chlorine and hp drop test that came with the pool. Any help appreciated.