We will add the bleach now and get back to you after we recheck the numbers.
We have figured out how to vacuum to waste. Do you still need the pictures of the pump/filter/piping?

(the pool stores told us to add the baking soda and a second store told us to drain the water)

We are currently using an Aquacheck meter in addition to strips to check the pool chemistries. Is this good enough or do we need to get the K2006 test kit (AquaChek® TruTest® Digital Test Strip Reader)- it gives actual numbers.

We are currently using Sustain and know that it produces calcium as a byproduct. The pool stores are telling us to add scale inhibitor to control the calcium levels. This does nothing for the hardness. When the last heater died- the heat exchanger was caked with calcium (this was both of our heaters). No water could get through. This is why we are looking to move away from Sustain once we get the calcium under control. We believe all of our lines are probably coated with calcium.
We do not use a solar cover. We use the heater a fair amount, but have been reluctant to turn it on until the calcium is controlled. We probably use the heater on a more frequent basis than most, since we are in a cooler climate and don't use a cover because of pool shape, and difficulty putting it on easily.
What chemical should we use for chlorination, once we fix the current problem that will not produce calcium so that we do not destroy yet another heater?

Thanks for the feedback.
Will get back to you with numbers.