Let's try this again. Troublefreepool.com is not just another pool care help website that teaches the same methods as what you've been shown elsewhere, and therefore, some of the topics you are referring to are not relevant here. Some of the assumptions you're making, such as that your FC level at 3 ppm is right, are not necessarily and probably aren't right. You're talking the language of the traditional method, and this is the TFPC method of pool care, which is the only chemically-correct method of pool care. It is different here. It is better here. It is cheaper and more simple to maintain pools following the methods taught here. It is free here. They are not selling anything here. You are encouraged to donate, but that comes after you figure out how to care for a pool using the TFPC methodologies and realize how valuable this site is for all things swimming pool and spa related.
There are a lot of gimmicks products and methods following the traditional methods of pool care that don't apply here. You've mentioned a couple of them, so we can tell that you've not read pool school, and to get help here with your pool you have to understand the basics of how pools are cared for using the TFPC methodologies, because you're giving incomplete information and providing levels that we are not concerned with here. The CYA level is critical to the way it is done using the TFPC method. We can't get you started without knowing that and without you knowing why that is so important.
Below is the link to pool school. There is an internet-based version but there is also an e-book format that you can find by clicking the link and scrolling to the bottom and downloading. I think that the e-book version is easier to follow and learn. Please get all of this TDS and phosphate Crud and the idea that 3 ppm FC is always a good level out of your mind and read and understand the basics of TFPC. Get a recommended test kit that's referenced in pool school. Then come back and ask questions to get started the tfpc way, because what you're reporting and asking is a different language than what is taught here.
www.troublefreepool.com
At the heart of TFPC is setting in a specified range, and always knowing your CYA level, because here at TFPC, you maintain a target FC level at all times by adding liquid chlorine each day, or alternatively operating a saltwater generator to maintain FC goals; and these targets or goals are based on your CYA level. Trichlor tablets don't work using the methods taught here except in temporary or excepted situations, because they raise CYA as you go through the season using them (a level you want to keep constant using the TFPC method); they are acidic creating downward pressure on pH; and they are not a good way to accurately dose chlorine to keep FC in range, because they slowly dissolve at the same time that UV rays are breaking down FC. Also, In almost any situation, the FC level that you need to maintain is going to be higher than 3 ppm, but that will always be based on your CYA level. TFP provides a chart called a chlorine/cya chart so that you know the targets for your pool chlorination type for your cya level; but no one can proceed to help you when you're making assumptions that don't apply here and wanting feedback.
Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.
www.troublefreepool.com
