New pool owner getting frustrated with costs

[BigDave]

Hi jaff and welcome to the forum. You've found the right place to learn to care for your pool and liberate yourself from the pool store.
I'm surprised Watermom didn't mention this, but, I think the the most important step to poolcare independence (after finding this place) is to purchase and learn to use a good FAS-DPD test kit (Taylor K-2006). If you buy one through the link in Watermom's signature, the pool forum gets a few scheckels to keep the lights on.