Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization Where do I get started?

For test kits when they say pink usually it means the first sign of pinkness as the full indicator color changes from for instance a gray, yellow or brown to pink and after gentle swirling it stays pink.

Pet stores have reasonably priced test kits that will get you close to the correct answer providing you closely follow the instructions. For better more accurate pond water test kits look into Hach or LaMonte from various sources from aquaculture supply houses, etc.
http://pentairaes.com/water-quality-testing/water-quality-test-type/test-kit