Nina, just wanted to encourage you to follow the advice you are getting. I came here frustrated with my pool a year ago. I was following pool store and pool company (HTH) advice. Everything I added threw my test strips into a frenzy. And my test strips would show different readings even when I did a test with two strips back to back.
I found TFP, got a proper test kit, switched to LC, and my pool ownership had been easy and enjoyable ever since! I went from wanting to fill in my IG pool with dirt and call it a day. Now I couldn't imagine not having my pool!
In a few weeks you'll be loving your pool too!