pypeke I am a noob when it comes to this level of awareness about my pools chemistry. Have owned the pool for 13 years but this is the first year with a proper test kit.
I plan to check my chlorine every day until I get a "feel" for my pools behavior in my climate. I keep an excel spreadsheet to log all my results, I test pH, TA and CH every 3-4 days as I do not expect these to change much and CYA I will check every 2 weeks and then monthly, since I only use liquid bleach/chlorine, I do not expect my CYA to change much, I certainly do not expect it to increase.
As far as my testing reagents, I assume I will use a bit more this first year and potentially into next as I keep a tight leash on things. Again, having used strip tests for 12 years this is a whole new level for me, but I look through pics of the "pros" on TFP and my competitive nature will not accept anything but crystal clear clean water from now on.
The way I see it, by NOT purchasing Algaecide, Floc and Clarifier ever again, my reagents in my mind are free. I am not looking to maintain my pool for free, only looking to reallocate my dollars to what matters most. If in the end I save a few bucks ok, but I was fine with my pool maintenance budget prior to this year, I am just getting much better results and peace of mind.
Hope this view helps,