Don't be discouraged. You are starting at the same place each one of us did....knowing nothing.
TFPC is not about a secret ingredient or special chemistry. It is about your willingness to take the time to learn about your pool. It is learning and understanding and has little to do with any particular chemistry.
Pool School is a prime resource. Reading "The ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry" up in Pool School gets you off to a start and the other information will come to you faster and faster.
We emphasize the importance of self testing and it is probably the biggest "hump" for many to get over. That said, it is the one thing that will most quickly help you gain the understanding you need and get you headed towards a crystal clear pool with a minimum of expense.