You definitely have to get your CYA level correct, or it will not be possible to put enough bleach in to keep any acceptable level of chlorine. I went through this last year when I purchased my first pool. It did not matter how much bleach I would put in the next night my chlorine level would be immeasurable.

Get yourself a test kit that uses drops not strips. The strips are junk. Get some stabilizer (CYA) and follow the instructions exactly. Make sure you don't put in too much you can always add, but to reduce the CYA level you must drain some water out and refill. Pour the stabilizer in the skimmer. It takes awhile for it to dissolve, so run your pump for at least two days non-stop, and wait at least that long before checking it.