The trichlor isn't necessarily "not a good way to go", unless it is causing you problems. For most people, that problem would be a huge rise in CYA levels. For you, it appears the problem is consistently having to battle low pH. If you would aerate your water and stop using the trichlor, I bet your pH problem will clear up quickly. You could switch to cal-hypo or bleach either one in the meantime.

Janet