Wow,.. this thread was painful to read.
just want to add, I would not have a pool without a SWG. The TFP way is easy, inexpensive and works. I have never been in a pool store. The only thing I have ever put in my pool is, liquid chlorine, salt, muriatic acid, Dry stabilizer, and borax. All available at my local Lowe’s. I have never had green or cloudy water! I have never had to slam. I do add polyquat at closing. I live less than 1/2 mile from 3 limestone quarries, we do have very hard water. My water heater gives me way more trouble than my pool!
hang in there, this doesn’t have to be hard. Study up in pool school and stay away from pool stores and you will be successful!