Ok so a quick background.......I have saltwater aquariums and am used to testing water parameters and such but I have been swimming in my pool just based on pool store testing just because I was lazy. So each year i still get a good algae growth or 3 and I barely make it to the pool store to test my water. So, what I want is to test my water at home and save some cash on all the wasted chemicals I have been grabbing for an arm and a leg. I only have a few a few questions but my research has led me here so I want to take the plunge and go this route.

1.) So from the pictures the TF-Pro test kit looks similar to my aquarium test kits but it states it is not a "blueish, greenish, i think my eyes work color scale" so is their a digital readout or what provides me the number from each test that i am to aim for?

2.) I really dont want to waste the chemicals I have left. So i have 5 bags of shock, some alkalinity up, and some cya free shock tablets. I know the tablets can be used but will the other options just dissapear if i am switching to liquid chlorine? Should i just burn through those real fast during the opening of the pool (alk up per test results) and then make the switch? Also I know it varies per pool but I usually at the beginning of the season grab 25 packs of powder shock to get me through most if not all of the year.......how many gallons of liquid shock should i grab to get me through 4-5 months?

3.) SLAM---Can i use this method to open my pool? Or do I need to do some other combo of things? I am of course going to vaccum and clean and all that anyway but will SLAM and testing get it from swamp to clear? (Shouldnt be a swamp but I have the elephant cover still on. 2 weeks ago I shocked her heavily and covered it back up letting the pump run 3 hrs per day until now. I would like to start opening the pool this week so that it is clear and ready by memorial day. usually takes 3-4 days but if doing this method takes a week and i then am spending less and not having to drive to the 18 year old kid to test my large investment I am game.

Pool background:
25 years old+ in ground concrete poured then steel then liner.
6 year old liner
4 year old heater
Variable speed pump
cartridge filters
0 test data (about to hit purchase i believe vs going to pool store)
Pool is pretty trouble free if you consider 2 or 3 times a year algae growing on the walls needing a good scrub and shock)
But i have been dumping cash in phosphate removers and all of that (in aquariums phosphates are a huge issue so i believed the hype)

I just really want to know how much more testing am i signing myself up for and if this will in the long run possibly save some cash? I am planning on getting the TF-pro with Slam option. (Actually want to buy it here today but need to make sure I am on the right path. or should i get that Taylor K-2006C test kit?