Hi There,
Welcome to TFP!
I can help get you started on your way to a beautiful, clear and troublefree pool.
First, you will need a really good test kit that is reliable. The strips you are using as you know, arent very good and pool store testing is just about as bad as their advice.
We recommend the TF100 test kit available at
TFTestkits.net This is what most of us use.
Also, the Taylor K2006C is available at of lot of on line sites and is a good kit.
Of the two, the TF100 is the best bang for the buck because it has larger amounts of testing regents, which you will need.
Once you have the test kit and can measure your water parameters, you will be ready to start the SLAM using only liquid chlorine or bleach.
The tabs add other things to the water in addition to chlorine and most of what they add is not good. In addition, there isnt enough chlorine in the tabs necessary to kill the algae.
To perform the slam, turn off your saltwater generator. SWGs are only sufficient to keep a pool clean, not clear up one with algae.
Here are the directions on how to slam a pool. Ive also added a couple more info links for reference that you will need to know.
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart
After the SLAM is completed and you have cleared your pool of algae, if you will maintain the water per the TFP recommended levels, you will never get algae again.
I hope this helps,
enjoy TFP!
Pool School - Recommended Levels