Snake oil, magic potions... Both good names for most of the products the pool store will sell you. The others are basically products you can find at a grocery store with rebranded pool store names. That makes them cost 3x as much.
In all reality, following these methods you should never go to the pool store again. CYA and Muriatic Acid are the only chems that are not commonly found in the grocery section, but it is still at Walmart and Lowes. MA is usually found in the pool section or the paint section in Lowes btw. Also baking soda is usually found in the pool section at Walmart in a huge bag, rather than using the little boxes.
Also please add the TF-100 to your signature and your location to your profile. Texas is a big place. People will ask you every thread you make, so it makes things easier on both you and us to get it out there.