Welcome aboard!
Momo2es said:
*Currently, we use trichol tablets in an automatic chlorinator--will I be able to continue use of the automatic chlorinator when I use the BBB methods?
Yes, no, and maybe. :-D
The core of the BBB method is knowledge. Knowing how to measure your water chemistry and what to do with the results. Knowing in advance what effect any chemical you add to your pool will have. Knowing how to address a problem if one arises.
At the heart of pool water chemistry is the relationship between CYA (cyanuric acid; aka stabilizer or conditioner) and Chlorine (pucks, powder, liquid). The level of Chlorine that needs to be maintained in your pool is dependent upon the level of CYA present in the water. As CYA increases, so should the level of Chlorine. The recommended levels of CYA and Chlorine can be found in the Chlorine/CYA chart linked in my signature.
Once you understand that relationship you "can" continue to regularly use pucks in a chlorinator, but doing so will have definite ramifications. Read frequent water draining to reduce the excessive levels of CYA. Too much CYA often leads to your pool becoming an unmanageable green swamp. Keep it in the recommended range of 30-50, along with the proper level of Chlorine, and you'll be okay.
Most people here like to "keep it simple" so frequent draining to remove excess CYA is avoided by adding non-stabilized sources of chlorine. Read Bleach (5.25% to 8.25%) found just about everywhere or Liquid Chlorine (10% to 12.5%) found mostly at pool supply stores (Same chemical, different concentrations). CYA, when its needed due to splash out or draining rain water, etc., is added seperately. Pucks can still be used when you're away from the pool for several days knowing you may have to drain some water when you get back to remove any excess CYA.
Momo2es said:
*When using the BBB method, on an average/normal basis, how often do I put in the bottle(s) of bleach?
Ideally, any time your Free Chlorine level drops below the minimum recommended level for your CYA level. In practice however most people dose once a day, some less often after getting to know their pool and its chemical demands. The exception would be if you've developed a problem and need to SLAM (Shock Level & Maintain) your pool. During a SLAM you may dose once every hour until your chlorine demand drops.
Momo2es said:
*And how much on normal/avg basis? Like 1 bottle, etc. per day?
The amount is entirely dependent upon the volume of your pool as well as the level of Free Chlorine you're maintaining and how much is burned off during the day from sunlight, bather load, etc. The Pool Calculator (also linked in my sig) is an essential tool in determining proper dosages.
Momo2es said:
*Do they make anything to handle the liquid bleach process automatically?
Yes. You'll find automatic chlorination discussed extensively in this section of the forum...
http://www.troublefreepool.com/chemical-automation-and-the-liquidator-f81.html
Momo2es said:
*Where do I find Muriatic acid and what does it do for the pool? (I have read Pool School a couple times and all of this is so confusing... it will sink in in time ...)
Muriatic acid is most often used to lower the PH in your pool. It can be found in at least a couple of different strengths in most hardware, big box, and pool supply stores.