Great thread and it looks like you are on track for a TFP soon. FWIW, I have had my pool for three years. I found this site when I was building the pool and was able to learn about pool chemistry before the water went in. I used pucks until my CYA got around 35 and then used bleach to maintain FC levels. Muriatic acid and baking soda as needed. I usually test my pool on friday morning. When CYA drops I will use a puck if chlorine is low. If not I add bleach.
I run my pool year round. In 3 years I have had to slam my pool one time when I let the FC get close to 0 and saw some green on the walls. It only took a couple of days to get it clear again. I usually shoot for 3-5 ppm for fc. If we get a big rain, I may go out and dump a gallon of bleach in. My point is not to pat my back but to let you know the stuff these guys tell you really works. TFP has made owning a pool easy for me. I have never been in a pool store. I buy bleach and acid at Lowes. Once you learn the chemistry basics, it all makes sense. Sounds like you are figuring it out!! Enjoy.