Wall Mart has a booklet in their pool department which gives a quick overview and the chemical containers have instructions on them. The strip water tester will tell you about your ph,alkalinity, chlorine, and stabilizer levels and what level they need to be. Since I've had mustard algae, I add 6oz per week of a mustard algae preventive. I also add 6 oz of a water clarifier per week to keep the water clear. I also brush the pool once a week. There is lots of more detailed info on the internet. My procedures come from my 20 years or so experience with my pool.