Daddycreswell.......here is a though since I'm sure you are confused.
The pool store is selling you a LOT of "stuff." And....you're putting it in your pool but you're not sure what it is or why. Ultimately reading pool school and asking questions and following advice will get you to a place where you don't need to ask the question of "what are the substitutes for X, X and X" as you will understand the purpose of each chemical and each test reading.
That is the purpose of this forum. That is the goal of the folks here who like to help others (like yourself).......to help you understand how to take care of your pool yourself. It isn't more "work" than listening to the PS and giving them your money. It IS a bit of education on your part in the beginning.....but that is what we are here for.
The pool store is selling you a LOT of "stuff." And....you're putting it in your pool but you're not sure what it is or why. Ultimately reading pool school and asking questions and following advice will get you to a place where you don't need to ask the question of "what are the substitutes for X, X and X" as you will understand the purpose of each chemical and each test reading.
That is the purpose of this forum. That is the goal of the folks here who like to help others (like yourself).......to help you understand how to take care of your pool yourself. It isn't more "work" than listening to the PS and giving them your money. It IS a bit of education on your part in the beginning.....but that is what we are here for.