Well as an update for you all... After I got my ph and TA up I went ahead and started the SLAM process Sunday afternoon.
Here are pictures from Monday and Tuesday (this morning)

I didn't run the it on filter but put it on recirculate while at work, but decided to do have it on filter today and come home on my lunchbreak to backwash the filter.
My filter is usually at 20 psi and it was around 27 when I went home on my lunch break. I hope that is ok. I backwashed it and headed back to work.
Yesterday I cleaned out a bunch of gunk that likes to collect in a certain spot, which was pretty satisfying. I can actually see places where there is stuff collecting rather than just a dark pit lol.
Also vacuumed/brushed Sunday and yesterday (when it was in the 90s! I really was wishing for a ready pool yesterday lol) Thankfully today should be nicer out.
I have been testing before work in the morning and in the evening. The trend seems to be to add around half a gallon every 8 hours or so.
Very happy with the progress so far.